Thje ACADeN^Y seRies OF 

eNGLISH CLASSICS 




Scott 
The Lady OF THE Lake 



EDITED BY 
G.B.AITON 






-»»>X««<" 



ALLYM AND BACON 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

Chap..i..^. Copyright No 

Shelf. .„._. 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



®{)e acatjemg Series of lEnglisJ) (Ilasstes 



SIR WALTER SCOTT 



THE LADY OF THE LAKE 



EDITED BY 



GEORGE B^^ilTON 

STATE INSPECTOR OF HIGH SCHOOLS FOR MINNESOTA 



ALLYN AND BACON 
23o0ton anti ^bicap 



TWO COPlt::5 RECEIVED, 

Library of CoijgeQ^l^ 
Qffico f x^^ 

DEC 1 5 1399 






57072 



COPYRIGHT, 1899, BY 
GEOEGE B. AITON. 



SECOND COPY. 



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J. S. Gushing & Co. - Berwick & Smith ("^/^ /V /->v -^ » — ^ 

Norwood Mass. U.S.A. ^ VV/V.4/V>f^ V -Q ^ 






CONTENTS. 



Introduction 

Map of the Teosachs and Vicinity 

THE LADY OF THE LAKE 
Canto First 
Canto Second 
Canto Third 
Canto Fourth 
Canto Fifth 
Canto Sixth 

Notes . 



PAGE 
V 



1 

27 

57 

84 

112 

142 

171 



INTEODUCTION. 



Walter Scott's literary activity began in 1796, when he 
was twenty-five years of age. His first great literary suc- 
cess was The Lay of the Last Minstrel ; his second was 
Marmion. Some of his friends urged the writer of two 
famous poems to let well enough alone, but Scott replied in 
the words of an old sonor : — 



" He either fears his fate too much, 
Or his deserts are small, 
Who dares not put it to the touch 
To gain or lose it all." 

So Sir Walter put it to the touch. The Lady of the Lake 
was published at Edinburgh in 1.810, by John Ballan- 
tyne & Co., in an elegant quarto edition, at two guineas — 
a trifle over ten dollars — per copy. Twenty thousand 
copies were sold as fast as they could be supplied. 

The opinion of Jeffrey, editor of the Edinburgh Review, 
whose verdict was awaited by authors with dread and 
whose judgment was considered almost final, was expressed 
as follows : — 

" Upon the whole, we are inclined to think more highly of The 
Lady of the Lake than of either of its author's former publications. 
. . . We are of opinion that it will be oftener read hereafter than 
either of them ; and that, if it had appeared first in the series, their 
reception would have been less favorable than that which it has 
experienced. It is more polished in its diction, and more regular in 
its versification ; the story is constructed with infinitely more skill and 
address ; there is a greater proportion of pleasing and tender passages, 

V 



vi tNTEODUCTlON, 

with much less antiquarian detail ; and, upon the whole, a larger 
variety of characters, more artfully and judiciously contrasted. There 
is nothing so fine, perhaps, as the battle in Marmion^ or so picturesque 
as some of the scattered sketches in the Lay ; but there is a richness 
and a spirit in the whole piece which does not pervade either of those 
poems. ..." 

The Lady of the Lake is more popular — that is, it is 
read over and over again by more people — than any other 
poem of considerable length in the English language. A 
few suggestions for the study of the poem may not be 
amiss. 

1. Keep the thread of the story well in mind. One inci- 
dent follows another in such swift succession and with so fre- 
quent a change of scene that the student must be on his 
guard or he will lose his way. In the thirtieth stanza of 
Canto IV., for instance, the speaker changes eleven times 
in thirty lines, — sometimes twice in a single line. The 
student must be on the alert. Quotation marks are a hint, 
but the sense of the sentence is the student's safest clew to 
the identity of the speaker. The footing in stanzas 16 to 
27 of the same canto is also precarious. Fitz-James, Ellen, 
Eed Murdoch, and Blanche of Devan speak without any 
clumsy " said the knight," or " continued the maid," or " thus 
spoke the guide," to show the way. At whatever cost, the 
student should go back and re-read any passages which 
throw light on the passage in hand. A few cross-references 
are given in the notes. The student should make many 
more by annotating the margin of each page with the num- 
ber of canto and line, both backward and forward, so that 
he can trace a line of thought with the least loss of time. 
Each time that Norman, for instance, appears, the margin 
of the text should be used to note previous passages bearing 
on him. 



INTRODUCTION. Vll 

2. Omitting all else, follow a single line of thought clear 
through the poem. With the thread of the story in mind 
from a first reading, go through the poem, reading only the 
passages, for instance, that throw light on Scott's conception 
of Eoderick Dhu. Leaving everything else aside, follow 
this great chieftain from the time of his introduction, or 
first mention (i. 212 is it not ?), to the gracious words spoken 
in the king's reception room at Stirling, vi. 809-19. In 
like manner make a study of Ellen, Fitz- James, the forays 
of Clan Alpine, the character of Douglas. Scott's treat- 
ment of dogs and horses ; his descriptions of water, of cliffs 
and mountain peaks, of meadows; the suitability of each 
song to its place ; the mood of the introduction to each 
canto — whether fitting or not. First, get hold of the 
general story, then of the various lines of thought, or, 
better, perhaps, of the various characters and scenes, then 
combine the parts into a whole. In this way the poem will 
grow into the student's affections and become his own. 

3. Memorize the portions of the poem that please you 
best. Youth can memorize more readily than mature age. 
Every hour spent in committing well-chosen passages to 
memory is time and pleasure put at interest. The present 
writer will long remember the delight of riding out of 
Chicago one summer evening with a friend who recited 
stanza after stanza of The Lady of the Lake, not " Alone, 
but with unbated zeal," until a late hour, only to take up 
the recital after breakfast again. The heat of the journey 
and the rattle of the train have passed from memory, but 
The Lady of the Lake still divides honors with mile after 
mile of flitting bayou, where, by the thousand, as Scott has 
it in the first canto : — 

" The water lily to the light 
Her chalice reared of silver bright." 



viii introduction: 

4. Use a good dictionary unsparingly. Scott introduces 
many words of a former literary age and many Lowland 
terms, entirely reputable and appropriate, but not fre- 
quently met in the writers of to-day. One of the results of 
studying this poem should be an enlarged vocabulary and a 
keener sense of the fitness of a word for a particular place. 
The latter may be cultivated by trying to find a second 
word as expressive as the one Scott uses. It were also well 
in this connection to be on the lookout for words chosen to 
meet the need of the metre, rather than for the sense. Lines 
are also to be found which may be regarded as immaterial 
to the thought, but which fill out the stanza. 

5. Locate places on the map. Be careful to do this at 
once, or a wrong geographical picture will be formed. 
Scott was familiar with the scenery of the Trosachs, and 
his descriptions may be followed without difficulty. 

6. Finally, read the poem for your own benefit in your 
own way. Cut loose eventually from instructor, classmates, 
editor's notes, and every other artificial aid. Kead simply 
because you enjoy the poem, simply to please yourself. 
Kemember that Scott wrote TJie Lady of the Lake because 
he liked the subject and thought it would interest you. 

The student of Scott needs a few books at hand for constant 
reference. For his life, the student is referred to Lockhart's 
Life of Sir Walter Scott. It should be in every school 
library. Valuable articles on Scott may be found in the 
various encyclopsedias. Those in the Britannica are natu- 
rally the best, as Scott was closely associated with its 
publisher. For a critical study of Scott's descriptive power, 
consult the third volume of Ruskin's Modern Painters. A 
good dictionary is indispensable, — the Century Dictionary 
is to be coveted. Of essays and reviews, Jeffrey's criticism 
of The Lady of the Lake in the Edinburgh Review is 



INTRODUCTION. IX 

valuable, but not usually accessible. Carlyle's essay on 
Scott is able and appreciative. Stephens's Hours in a 
Library (First Series), and Leslie's Autohiograpliical Rec- 
ollections are not expensive. No American student should 
fail to read Irving's Visit to Abbotsforcl Buy The Globe 
Edition of Scott's poetical works in one volume, which 
contains Scott's own notes. 

It has not been thought best to enlarge the editor's notes 
by explaining the meaning of words readily found in a 
dictionarj^ The student is also expected to study the map 
for himself. In excuse for not adding historical notes, it may 
be said that the author himself preferred the freedom of 
tradition rather than the limitations of historical accuracy. 

G. B. A. 

Minneapolis, 

October, 1899. 



Vlll INTRODUCTION, 

4. Use a good dictionary unsparingly. Scott introduces 
many words of a former literary age and many Lowland 
terms, entirely reputable and appropriate, but not fre- 
quently met in the writers of to-day. One of the results of 
studying this poem should be an enlarged vocabulary and a 
keener sense of the fitness of a word for a particular place. 
The latter may be cultivated by trying to find a second 
word as expressive as the one Scott uses. It were also well 
in this connection to be on the lookout for words chosen to 
meet the need of the metre, rather than for the sense. Lines 
are also to be found which may be regarded as immaterial 
to the thought, but which fill out the stanza. 

5. Locate places on the map. Be careful to do this at 
once, or a wrong geographical picture will be formed. 
Scott was familiar with the scenery of the Trosachs, and 
his descriptions may be followed without difficulty. 

6. Finally, read the poem for your own benefit in your 
own way. Cut loose eventually from instructor, classmates, 
editor's notes, and every other artificial aid. Read simply 
because you enjoy the poem, simply to please yourself. 
Remember that Scott wrote Tlie Lady of the Lake because 
he liked the subject and thought it would interest you. 

The student of Scott needs a few books at hand for constant 
reference. For his life, the student is referred to Lockhart's 
Life of Sir Walter Scott. It should be in every school 
library. Valuable articles on Scott may be found in the 
various encyclopsedias. Those in the Britannica are natu- 
rally the best, as Scott was closely associated with its 
publisher. For a critical study of Scott's descriptive power, 
consult the third volume of Ruskin's Modern Painters. A 
good dictionary is indispensable, — the Century Dictionary 
is to be coveted. Of essays and reviews, Jeffrey's criticism 
of Tlie Lady of the Lake in the Edinburgh Review is 



INTR OD UCTION. IX 

valuable, but not usually accessible. Carlyle's essay on 
Scott is able and appreciative. Stephens's Hours in a 
Library (First Series), and Leslie's Autobiograpliical Rec- 
ollections are not expensive. No American student should 
fail to read Irving's Visit to Ahhotsford. Buy The Globe 
Edition of Scott's poetical works in one volume, which 
contains Scott's own notes. 

It has not been thought best to enlarge the editor's notes 
by explaining the meaning of words readily found in a 
dictionary. The student is also expected to study the map 
for himself. In excuse for not adding historical notes, it may 
be said that the author himself preferred the freedom of 
tradition rather than the limitations of historical accuracy. 

G. B. A. 

Minneapolis, 

October, 1899. 



THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 
CANTO FIEST. 

THE CHASE. 

Harp of the North ! that mouldering long hast hung 

On the witch-elm that shades Saint Fillan's spring, 
And down the fitful breeze thy numbers flung, 

Till envious ivy did around thee cling, 

Mufi0.ing with verdant ringlet every string, — 5 

Minstrel Harp, still must thine accents sleep ? 

Mid rustling leaves and fountains murmuring, 
Still must thy sweeter sounds their silence keep, 
Nor bid a warrior smile, nor teach a maid to weep ? 

Not thus, in ancient days of Caledon, 10 

Was thy voice mute amid the festal crowd. 
When lay of hopeless love, or glory won, 

Aroused the fearful or subdued the proud. 

At each according pause was heard aloud 
Thine ardent symphony sublime and high ! 15 

Fair dames and crested chiefs attention bowed ; 
For still the burden of thy minstrelsy 
Was Knighthood's dauntless deed, and Beauty's matchless eye. 

0, wake once more ! how rude soe'er the hand 

That ventures o'er th}^ magic maze to stray; 20 

0, wake once more I though scarce my skill command 
Some feeble echoing of thine earlier lay : 

B 1 



THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto I. 

Though harsh and faint, and soon to die away, 
And all unworthy of thy nobler strain, 

Yet, if one heart throb higher at its sway, 25 

The wizard note has not been touched in vain. 
Then silent be no more ! Enchantress, wake again ! 



The stag at eve had drunk his fill. 

Where danced the moon on Monan's rill, 

And deep his midnight lair had made 30 

In lone Glenartney's hazel shade ; 

But, when the sun his beacon red 

Had kindled on Benvoirlich's head. 

The deep-mouthed bloodhound's heavy bay 

Eesounded up the rocky way, 35 

And faint, from farther distance borne, 

Were heard the clanging hoof and horn. 

II. 

As Chief, who hears his warder call, 

" To arms ! the f oemen storm the wall," 

The antlered monarch of the waste 40 

Sprung from his heathery couch in haste. 

But, ere his fleet career he took. 

The dew-drops from his flanks he shook j 

Like crested leader proud and high 

Tossed his beamed frontlet to the sky ; 45 

A moment gazed adown the dale, 

A moment snuffed the tainted gale, 

A moment listened to the cry. 

That thickened as the chase drew nigh ; 

Then, as the headmost foes appeared, 60 

With one brave bound the copse he cleared. 



THE CHASE. 3 

And, stretching forward free and far, 
Sought the wild heaths of Uam-Var. 

III. 

Yelled on the view the opening pack ; 

Kock, glen, and cavern paid them back ; 55 

To many a mingled sound at once 

The awakened mountain gave response. 

A hundred dogs bayed deep and strong, 

Clattered a hundred steeds along, 

Their peal the merry horns rung out, 60 

A hundred voices joined the shout; 

With hark and whoop and wild halloo. 

No rest Benvoirlich's echoes knew. 

Far from the tumult fled the roe, 

Close in her covert cowered the doe, 65 

The falcon, from her cairn on high. 

Cast on the rout a wondering eye. 

Till far beyond her piercing ken 

The hurricane had swept the glen. 

Faint, and more faint, its failing din 70 

Keturned from cavern, cliff, and linn, 

And silence settled, wide and still. 

On the lone wood and mighty hill. 

IV. 

Less loud the sounds of sylvan war 

Disturbed the heights of Uam-Var, 75 

And roused the cavern where, 't is told, 

A giant made his den of old ; 

For, ere that steep ascent was won, 

High in his pathway hung the sun. 



THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Caxto I. 

<^, 
And many a gallant, stayed perforce, 80 

Was fain to breathe his faltering horse. 

And of the trackers of the deer 

Scarce half the lessening pack was near ; 

So shrewdly on the monntain-side 

Had the bold burst their mettle tried. 85 

Y. 

The noble stag was pausing now 

Upon the mountain's southern brow, 

Where broad extended, far beneath. 

The varied realms of fair Menteith. 

With anxious eye he wandered o'er 90 

Mountain and meadow, moss and moor, 

And pondered refuge from his toil. 

By far Lochard or Aberfoyle, 

But nearer was the copsewood gray 

That waved and wept on Loch Achray, 95 

And mingled with the pine-trees blue 

On the bold cliffs of Benvenue. 

Fresh vigor with the hope returned. 

With flying foot the heath he spurned. 

Held westward with unwearied race, 100 

And left behind the panting chase. 

VI. 

'T were long to tell what steeds gave o'er. 

As swept the hunt through Cambusmore ; 

What reins were tightened in despair. 

When rose Benledi's ridge in air ; 105 

Who flagged upon Bochastle's heath, 

Who shunned to stem the flooded Teith, — 



Canto I.] THE CUASE. 6 

For twice that day, from shore to shore, 

The gallant stag swam stoutly o'er. 

Few were the stragglers, following far, 110 

That reached the lake of Vennachar ; 

And, when the Brigg of Turk was won, 

The headmost horseman rode alone. 

VII. 

Alone, but with unbated zeal. 

That horseman plied the scourge and steel ; 115 

For jaded now, and spent with toil, 

Embossed with foam, and dark with soil, 

While every gasp with sobs he drew, 

The laboring stag strained full in view. 

Two dogs of black Saint Hubert's breed, 120 

Unmatched for courage, breath, and speed, 

Fast on his flying traces came, 

And all but won that desperate game ; 

For, scarce a spear's length from his haunch. 

Vindictive toiled the bloodhounds stanch ; 125 

Nor nearer might the dogs attain, 

Nor farther might the quarry strain. 

Thus up the margin of the lake. 

Between the precipice and brake, 

O'er stock and rock their race they take. 130 

VIII. 

The Hunter marked that mountain high, 

The lone lake's western boundary. 

And deemed the stag must turn to bay. 

Where that huge rampart barred the way ; 

Already glorying in the prize, 135 

Measured his antlers with his eyes ; 



THE LABT OF THE LAKE. [Canto I. 

For the death-wound and death-halloo 

Mustered his breath, his whinvard drew : — 

But thundering as he came prepared, 

"With ready arm and weapon bared, 140 

The wily quarry shunned the shock, 

And turned him from the opposing rock ; 

Then, dashing down a darksome glen, 

Soon lost to hound and Hunter's ken, 

In the deep Trosachs' wildest nook U5 

His solitary refuge took. 

There, while close couched the tliicket shed 

Cold dews and wild flowers on his head, 

He heard the baflied dogs in vain 

Rave through the hollow pass amain, 150 

Chiding the rocks that yelled again. 

IX. 

Close on the hounds the Hunter came. 

To cheer them on the vanished game ; 

But, stumbling in the rugged dell. 

The gallant horse exhausted fell. 155 

The impatient rider strove in vain 

To rouse him with the spur and rein, 

For the good steed, his labors o'er. 

Stretched his stiff limbs, to rise no more ; 

Then, touched with pity and remorse, IGO 

He sorrowed o'er the expiring horse. 

" I little thought, when first thy rein 

I slacked upon the banks of Seine, 

That Highland eagle e'er should feed 

On thy fleet limbs, my matchless steed ! 165 

Woe worth the chase, woe worth the day. 

That costs thy life, my gallant gray I " 



Canto I.] THE CHASE. 1 

X. 

Then through the dell his horn resounds, 

From vain pursuit to call the hounds. 

Back limped, with slow and crippled pace, 170 

The sulky leaders of the chase ; 

Close to their master's side they pressed, 

With drooping tail and humbled crest ; 

But still the dingle's hollow throat 

Prolonged the swelling bugle-note. 175 

The owlets started from their dream, 

The eagles answered with their scream, 

Eound and around the sounds were cast, 

Till echo seemed an answering blast; 

And on the Hunter hied his way, 180 

To join some comrades of the day. 

Yet often paused, so strange the road. 

So wondrous were the scenes it showed. 

XI. 

The western waves of ebbing day 

Rolled o'er the glen their level way ; 185 

Each purple peak, each flinty spire, 

"Was bathed in floods of living fire. 

But not a setting beam could glow 

Within the dark ravines below. 

Where twined the path, in shadow hid, 190 

Eound many a rocky pyramid, 

Shooting abruptly from the dell 

Its thunder-splintered pinnacle ; 

Bound many an insulated mass. 

The native bulwarks of the pass, 195 

Huge as the tower which builders vain 

Presumptuous piled on Shinar's plain. 

/ 
1 



THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto I. 

The rocky summits, split and rent, 

Formed turret, dome, or battlement, 

Or seemed fantastically set 200 

With, cupola or minaret, 

"Wild crests as pagod ever decked, 

Or mosque of Eastern architect. 

Nor were these earth-born castles bare, 

Nor lacked they many a banner fair ; 305 

For, from their shivered brows displayed, 

Far o'er the unfathomable glade. 

All twinkling with the dewdrop sheen, 

The brier-rose fell in streamers green. 

And creeping shrubs of thousand dyes 210 

Waved in the west- wind's summer sighs. 

XII. 

Boon nature scattered, free and wild, 

Each plant or flower, the mountain's child. 

Here eglantine embalmed the air. 

Hawthorn and hazel mingled there ; 21S 

The primrose pale and violet flower 

Found in each clift a narrow bower ; 

Foxglove and nightshade, side by side. 

Emblems of punishment and pride. 

Grouped their dark hues with every stain 220 

The weather-beaten crags retain. 

With boughs, that quaked at every breath. 

Gray birch and aspen wept beneath ; 

Aloft, the ash and warrior oak 

Cast anchor in the rifted rock ; 225 

And, higher yet, the pine-tree hung 

His shatt.ered trunk, and frequent flung, 

Where seemed the cliffs to meet on high. 



ca>-toi.] the chase. 9 

His boughs athwart the narrowed sky. 

Highest of all, where white peaks glanced, 230 

"Where glistening streamers waved and danced. 

The wanderers eye could barely view 

The summer heaven's delicious blue ; 

So wondrous wild, the whole might seem 

The scenery of a fairy dream. 235 

XIII. 

Onward, amid the copse 'gan peep 

A narrow inlet, still and deep, 

Affording scarce such breadth of brim 

As served the wild duck's brood to swim. 

Lost for a space, through thickets veering, 240 

But broader when again appearing, 

Tall rocks and tufted knolls their face 

Could on the dark-blue mirror trace ; 

And, farther as the Hunter strayed. 

Still broader sweep its channels made. 245 

The shaggy mounds no longer stood, 

Emerging from entangled wood, 

But, wave-encircled, seemed to float. 

Like castle girdled with its moat ; 

Yet broader floods extending still 250 

Divide them from their parent hill, 

Till each, retiring, claims to be 

An islet in an inland sea. 

XIV. 

And now, to issue from the glen, 

No pathway meets the wanderer's ken, 25o 

Unless he climb with footing nice 
A far-projecting precipice. 



10 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto I. 

The broom's tough roots his ladder made, 

The hazel saplings lent their aid ; 

And thus an air}^ point he won, 260 

Where, gleaming with the setting sun, 

One burnished sheet of living gold, 

Locli Katrine lay beneath him rolled, 

In all her length far winding lay. 

With promontor\^, creek, and bay, 265 

And islands that, empurpled bright, 

Floated amid the livelier light. 

And mountains that like giants stand 

To sentinel enchanted land. 

High on the south, huge Benvenue 270 

Down on the lake in masses threw 

Crags, knolls, and mounds, confusedly hurled, 

The fragments of an earlier world ; 

A wildering forest feathered o'er 

His ruined sides and summit hoar, 275 

While on the north, through middle air, 

Ben-an heaved high his forehead bare. 



XV. 

From the steep promontory gazed 

The stranger, raptured and amazed. 

And, '^ What a scene were here," he cried, 280 

" For princely pomp or churchman's pride ! 

On this bold brow, a lordly tower ; 

In that soft vale, a lady's bower ; 

On yonder meadow far away, 

The turrets of a cloister gray ; 285 

How blithely might the bugle-horn 

Chide on the lake the lingering morn ! 



Canto I.] THE fHASE. 11 

How sweet at eve the lover's lute 

Chime when the groves were still and mute ! 

And, when the midnight moon should lave 290 

Her forehead in the silver wave, 

How solemn on the ear would come 

The holy matins' distant hum. 

While the deep peal's commanding tone 

Should wake, in yonder islet lone, 295 

A sainted hermit from his cell. 

To drop a bead with every knell ! 

And bugle, lute, and bell, and all, 

Should each bewildered stranger call 

To friendly feast and lighted hall. 300 



" Blithe were it then to wander here ! 

But now — beshrew yon nimble deer — 

Like that same hermit's, thin and spare, 

The copse must give my evening fare ; 

Some mossy bank my couch must be, 305 

Some rustling oak my canopy. 

Yet pass we that ; the war and chase 

Give little choice of resting-place ; — 

A summer night in greenwood spent 

Were but to-morrow's merriment : 310 

But hosts may in these wilds abound. 

Such as are better missed than found; 

To meet with Highland plunderers here 

Were worse than loss of steed or deer. — 

I am alone ; — my bugle-strain 315 

May call some straggler of the train ; 

Or, fall the worst that may betide. 

Ere now this falchion has been tried." 



12 THE LADY Op THE LAKE. [Canto I. 



XYII. 

But scarce again his liorn he wound, 

When lo ! forth starting at the sound, 320 

From underneath an aged oak 

That slanted from the islet rock, 

A damsel guider of its way, 

A little skiff shot to the bay, 

That round the promontory steep 325 

Led its deep line in graceful sweep, 

Eddying, in almost viewless wave. 

The weeping willow twig to lave. 

And kiss, with whispering sound and slow. 

The beach of pebbles bright as snow. 330 

The boat had touched this silver strand 

Just as the Hunter left his stand. 

And stood concealed amid the brake. 

To view this Lady of the Lake. 

The maiden paused, as if again 335 

She thought to catch the distant strain. 

With head upraised, and look intent. 

And eye and ear attentive bent. 

And locks flung back, and lips apart, 

Like monument of Grecian art, 340 

In listening mood, she seemed to stand. 

The guardian Naiad of the strand. 

XVIII. 

And ne'er did Grecian chisel trace 

A Nymph, a Naiad, or a Grace, 

Of finer form or lovelier face ! 345 

W^hat though the sun, with ardent frown, 

Had slightly tinged her cheek with brown, — 



Canto I.] THE CHASE. 13 

The sportive toil, which, short and light, 

Had dyed her glowing hue so bright, 

Served too in hastier swell to show 350 

Short glimpses of a breast of snow: 

What though no rule of courtly grace 

To measured mood had trained her pace, — 

A foot more light, a step more true, 

Ne'er from the heath-flower dashed the dew; 355 

E'en the slight harebell raised its head, 

Elastic from her airy tread: 

AVhat though upon her speech there hung 

The accents of the mountain tongue, — 

Those silver sounds, so soft, so dear, 360 

The listener held his breath to hear ! 

XIX. 

A chieftain's daughter seemed the maid ; 

Her satin snood, her silken plaid, 

Her golden brooch, such birth betrayed. 

And seldom was a snood amid 365 

Such wild luxuriant ringlets hid. 

Whose glossy black to shame might bring 

The plumage of the raven's wing ; 

And seldom o'er a breast so fair 

Mantled a plaid with modest care, 370 

And never brooch the folds combined . 

Above a heart more good and kind. 

Her kindness and her worth to spy. 

You need but gaze on Ellen's eye ; 

Not Katrine in her mirror blue 375 

Gives back the shaggy banks more true, 

Than every free-born glance confessed 

The guileless movements of her breast ; 



14 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto L 

Whether joy danced in her dark eye, 

Or woe or pity claimed a sigh, 380 

Or filial love was glowing there, 

Or meek devotion poured a prayer, 

Or tale of injury called forth 

The indignant spirit of the North. 

One only passion un revealed 385 

AVith maiden pride the maid concealed. 

Yet not less purely felt the flame ; — 

O, need I tell that passion's name ? 



XX. 

Impatient of the silent horn. 

Now on the gale her voice was borne : — 390 

" Father ! " she cried ; the rocks around 

Loved to prolong the gentle sound. 

Awhile she paused, no answer came ; — 

" Malcolm, was thine the blast ? " the name 

Less resolutely uttered fell, 395 

The echoes could not catch the swell. 

^' A stranger I," the Huntsman said, 

Advancing from the hazel shade. 

The maid, alarmed, with hasty oar 

Pushed her light shallop from the shore, 400 

And, when a space was gained between, 

Closer she drew her bosom's screen ; — 

So forth the startled swan would swing, 

So turn to prune his ruffled wing. 

Then safe, though fluttered and amazed, 405 

She paused, and on the stranger gazed. 

Not his the form, nor his the eye. 

That youthful maidens wont to fly. 



Canto I.] THE CHASE. 15 

XXI. 

On his bold visage middle age 

Had slightly pressed its signet sage, 410 

Yet had not quenched the open truth 

And fiery vehemence of youth ; 

Forward and frolic glee was there, 

The will to do. the soul to dare, 

The sparkling glance, soon blown to fire, 415 

Of hasty love or headlong ire. 

His limbs were cast in manly mould 

For hardy sports or contest bold ; 

And, though in peaceful garb arrayed, 

And weaponless except his blade, 420 

His stately mien as well implied 

A high-born heart, a martial pride. 

As if a baron's crest he wore, 

And sheathed in armor trode the shore. 

Slighting the petty need he showed, 425 

He told of his benighted road ; 

His ready speech flowed fair and free. 

In phrase of gentlest courtesy. 

Yet seemed that tone and gesture bland 

Less used to sue than to command. 430 

XXII. 

Awhile the maid the stranger eyed, 

And, reassured, at length replied 

That Highland halls were open still 

To wildered wanderers of the hill. 

" Nor think you unexpected come 435 

To yon lone isle, our desert home ; 

Before the heath had lost the dew. 

This morn, a couch was pulled for you; 



16 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto I. 

On yonder mountain's purple head 

Have ptarmigan and heath-cock bled, 440 

And our broad nets have swept the mere, 

To furnish forth your evening cheer," — 

" Now, by the rood, my lovely maid. 

Your courtesy has erred," he said ; 

" No right have I to claim, misplaced, 445 

The welcome of expected guest. 

A wanderer, here by fortune tost. 

My way, my friends, my courser lost, 

I ne'er before, believe me, fair, 

Have ever drawn your mountain air, 450 

Till on this lake's romantic strand 

I found a fay in fairy land ! " — 

XXIII. 

" I well believe," the maid replied, 

As her light skiff approached the side, — 

" I well believe, that ne'er before 455 

Your foot has trod Loch Katrine's shore ; 

But yet, as far as yesternight, 

Old Allan-bane foretold your plight, — 

A gray-haired sire, whose eye intent 

Was on the visioned future bent, 460 

He saw your steed, a dappled gray, 

Lie dead beneath the birchen way ; , 

Painted exact your form and mien, 

Your hunting-suit of Lincoln green. 

That tasselled horn so gaily gilt, 465 

That falchion's crooked blade and hilt. 

That cap with heron plumage trim, 

And yon two hounds so dark and grim. 

He bade that all should ready be 



Canto I.] THE CHASE. 17 

To grace a guest of fair degree ; 470 

But light I held his prophecy, 

And deemed it was my father's horn 

Whose echoes o'er the lake were borne." 



XXIV. 

The stranger smiled : " Since to your home 

A destined errant-knight I come, 475 

Announced by prophet sooth and old. 

Doomed, doubtless, for achievement bold, 

I '11 lightly front each high emprise 

For one kind glance of those bright eyes. 

Permit me first the task to guide 480 

Your fairy frigate o'er the tide." 

The maid, with smile suppressed and sly, 

The toil unwonted saw him try ; 

For seldom, sure, if e'er before. 

His noble hand had grasped an oar : 485 

Yet with main strength his strokes he drew, 

And o'er the lake the shallop flew ; 

With heads erect and whimpering cry. 

The hounds behind their passage ply. 

Nor frequent does the bright oar break 490 

The darkening mirror of the lake, 

Until the rocky isle they reach, 

And moor their shallop on the beach. 



XXV. 

The stranger viewed the shore around; 

'T was all so close with copsewood boimd, 495 

Nor track nor pathway might declare 

That human foot frequented there, 



IS THE LADT OF THE LAKE, [Canto I 

Until the monntAiii maiden shcsred 

A clambering unsuspected road. 

That vinded through tlie tangled screen, WD 

And opened on a narrow green. 

Where weeping birch and willow round 

Witli their long fibres swept the ground. 

Here, for retreat in dangerous hour. 

Some chief had framed a rustic bower. 50? 

XXTT. 

It was a lodge of ample size. 

But strange of structure and device ; 

Of sucii mat-erials as around 

The workman's hand had readiest found. 

Lopped of their boughs, their hoar trunks baied, 5W 

And by the hatchet rudely squared. 

To give the walls their destined height. 

The sturdy oak and ash unite ; 

While moss and clay and leaves combined 

To fence each crevice from the wind. 515 

The lighter pine-trees overhead 

Their slender length for raftCTs spread. 

And withered hea.th and rushes dry 

Supplied a russet canopy. 

Ihie westward, fronting to the green, 520 

A rural portico was seen. 

Aloft on native pillars borne. 

Of mountain fir with bark unshorn. 

Where Ellen's hand had taught to twine 

The ivy and Idjean vine^ *B 

The clematis, the favored flower 

Which boasts the name of virgin-bower, 

And every hardy plant could bear 



Ca!^toL] the chase. 19 

Loch Katrine's keen and searching air. 

An instant in this porch she stayed, 530 

And gaily to the stranger said : 

" On heaven and on thy lady call, 

And enter the enchanted hall I '' 

XXVII. 

" My hope, my heaven, my trust must be, 

My gentle guide, in following thee I " — 535 

He crossed the threshold, — and a clang 

Of angry steel that instant rang. 

To his bold brow his spirit rushed, 

But soon for vain alarm he blushed, 

AVhen on the floor he saw displayed, 540 

Cause of th.e din, a naked blade 

Dropx-)ed from the sheath, that careless flung 

Upon a stag's huge antlers swung ; 

For all around, the walls to grace. 

Hung trophies of the fight or chase : 545 

A target there, a bugle here, 

A battle-axe, a hunting-spear, 

And broadswords, bows, and arrows store, 

With the tusked trophies of the boar. 

Here grins the wolf as when he died, 550 

And there the wild-cat's brindled hide 

The frontlet of the elk adorns. 

Or mantles o'er the bison's horns ; 

Pennons and flags defaced and stained. 

That blackening streaks of blood retained, 555 

And deer-skins, dappled, dun, and white. 

With otter's fur and seal's unite, 

In rude and uncouth tapestry all. 

To garnish forth the sylvan halL 



20 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Caxto I. 

XXYIII. 

The wondering stranger round him gazed, 560 

And next the fallen weapon raised : — 

Few were the arms whose sinewy strength 

Sufficed to stretch it forth at length. 

And as the brand he poised and swayed, 

" I never knew but one," he said, 565 

" Whose stalwart arm might brook to wield 

A blade like this in battle-field." 

She sighed, then smiled and took the word : 

"You see the guardian champion's sword; 

As light it trembles in his hand 570 

As in my grasp a hazel wand : 

My sire's tall form might grace the part 

Of Ferragus or Ascabart, 

But in the absent giant's hold 

Are women now, and menials old." 575 

XXIX. 

The mistress of the mansion came, 

Mature of age, a graceful dame. 

Whose easy step and stately port 

Had well become a princely court. 

To whom, though more than kindred knew, 580 

Young Ellen gave a mother's due. 

Meet welcome to her guest she made. 

And every courteous rite was paid 

That hospitality could claim. 

Though all unasked his birth and name. 585 

Such then the reverence to a guest. 

That fellest foe might join the feast, 

And from his deadliest foeman's door 



Canto I.] THE CHASE. 21 

Unquestioned turn, the banquet o'er. 

At length his rank the stranger names, 590 

" The Knight of Snowdoun, James Fitz-James ; 

Lord of a barren heritage, 

Which his brave sires, from age to age, 

By their good swords had held with toil ; 

His sire had fallen in such turmoil, 695 

And he, God wot, was forced to stand 

Oft for his right with blade in hand. 

This morning with Lord Moray's train 

He chased a stalwart stag in vain, 

Outstripped his comrades, missed the deer, 600 

Lost his good steed, and wandered here." 

XXX. 

Fain would the Knight in turn require 

The name and state of Ellen's sire. 

Well showed the elder lady's mien 

That courts and cities she had seen ; 6O5 

Ellen, though more her looks displayed 

The simple grace of sylvan maid. 

In speech and gesture, form and face, 

Showed she was come of gentle race. 

'T were strange in ruder rank to find 610 

Such looks, such manners, and such mind. 

Each hint the Knight of Snowdoun gave 

Dame Margaret heard with silence grave ; 

Or Ellen, innocently gay, 

Turned all inquiry light away : — 615 

" Weird women we ! by dale and down 

We dwell, afar from tower and town. 

We stem the flood, we ride the blast, 

On wandering knights our spells we cast , 



22 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto I. 

While viewless minstrels touch the string, 620 

'T is thus our charmed rhymes we sing." 
She sung, and still a harp unseen 
Filled up the symphony between. 



XXXI. 

SONG. 

Soldier, rest! thy warfare o'er. 

Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking ; 625 

Dream of battled fields no more, 

Days of danger, nights of waking. 
In our isle's enchanted hall. 

Hands unseen thy couch are strewing, 
Fairy strains of music fall, 63C 

Every sense in slumber dewing. 
Soldier, rest ! thy warfare o'er. 
Dream of fighting fields no more ; 
Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking, 
Morn of toil, nor night of waking. 63£ 

No rude sound shall reach thine ear. 

Armor's clang or war-steed champing. 
Trump nor pibroch summon here 

Mustering clan or squadron tramping. 
Yet the lark's shrill fife may come 64C 

At the daybreak from the fallow. 
And the bittern sound his drum. 

Booming from the sedgy shallow. 
Ruder sounds shall none be near. 
Guards nor warders challenge here, 64J 

Here 's no war-steed's neigh and champing, 
Shouting clans or squadrons stamping. 



CaxtoL] the chase. 23 

XXXII. 

She paused, — then, blushing, led the lay, 

To grace the stranger of the day. 

Her mellow notes awhile prolong 650 

The cadence of the flowing song. 

Till to her lips in measured frame 

The minstrel verse spontaneous came. 

SOXG CONTIXUED. 

Huntsman, rest ! thy chase is done ; 

While our slumbrous spells assail ye, 655 

Dream not, with the rising sun. 

Bugles here shall sound reveille. 
Sleep ! the deer is in his den ; 

Sleep ! thy hounds are by thee lying ; 
Sleep ! nor dream in yonder glen 660 

How thy gallant steed lay dying. 
Huntsman, rest ! thy chase is done j 
Think not of the rising sun, 
For at dawning to assail ye 
Here no bugles sound reveille. 666 

XXXIII. 

The hall was cleared, — the stranger's bed 

Was there of mountain heather spread. 

Where oft a hundred guests had lain. 

And dreamed their forest sports again. 

But vainly did the heath-flower shed 670 

Its moorland fragrance round his head ; 

Not Ellen's spell had lulled to rest 

The fever of his troubled breast. 



24 THE LADY OF TEE LAKE. [Canto I. 

In broken dreams the image rose 

Of varied perils, pains, and woes : 675 

His steed now flounders in the brake, 

Now sinks his barge upon the lake ; 

Now leader of a broken host, 

His standard falls, his honor 's lost. 

Then, — from my couch may heavenly might 680 

Chase that worst phantom of the night ! — 

Again returned the scenes of youth, 

Of confident, undoubting truth ; 

Again his soul he interchanged 

With friends whose hearts were long estranged. 685 

They come, in dim procession led, 

The cold, the faithless, and the dead ; 

As warm each hand, each brow as gay, 

As if they parted yesterday. 

And doubt distracts him at the view, — 690 

0, were his senses false or true ? 

Dreamed he of death or broken vow, 

Or is it all a vision now ? 

XXXIV. 

At length, with Ellen in a grove 

He seemed to walk and speak of love ; 695 

She listened with a blush and sigh. 

His suit was warm, his hopes were high. 

He sought her yielded hand to clasp, 

And a cold gauntlet met his grasp : 

The phantom's sex was changed and gone, 700 

Upon its head a helmet shone ; 

Slowly enlarged to giant size. 

With darkened cheek and threatening eyes, 

The grisly visage, stern and hoar. 



CaxtoL] the chase. 25 

To Ellen still a likeness bore. — 705 

He woke, and, panting with affright, 

Kecalled the vision of the night. 

The hearth's decaying brands were red, 

And deep and dusky lustre shed. 

Half showing, half concealing, all 710 

The uncouth trophies of the hall. 

Mid those the stranger fixed his eye 

Where that huge falchion hung on high, 

And thoughts on thoughts, a countless throng, 

Eushed, chasing countless thoughts along, 715 

Until, the giddy whirl to cure. 

He rose and sought the moonshine pure. 

XXXV. 

The wild rose, eglantine, and broom 

Wasted around their rich perfume ; 

The birch-trees wept in fragrant balm ; 720 

The aspens slept beneath the calm ; 

The silver light, with quivering glance, 

Played on the water's still expanse, — 

Wild were the heart whose passion's sway 

Could rage beneath the sober ray ! 725 

He felt its calm, that warrior guest. 

While thus he communed with his breast : — 

" Why is it, at each turn I trace 

Some memor}^ of that exiled race ? 

Can I not mountain maiden spy, 730 

But she must bear the Douglas eye ? 

Can I not view a Highland brand. 

But it must match the Douglas hand ? 

Can I not frame a fevered dream. 

But still the Douglas is the theme ? 735 



26 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto I. 

I '11 dream no more, — by manly mind 

Not even in sleep is will resigned. 

My midnight orisons said o'er, 

I '11 turn to rest, and dream no more.'* 

His midnight orisons he told, 740 

A prayer with every bead of gold, 

Consigned to heaven his cares and woes. 

And sunk in undisturbed repose. 

Until the heath-cock shrilly crew. 

And morning dawned on Benvenue. 745 



CANTO SECOND. 

THE ISLAND. 



At morn the black-cock trims his jetty wing, 

'T is morning prompts the linnet's blithest lay, 
All Nature's children feel the matin spring 

Of life reviving, with reviving day ; 

And, while yon little bark glides down the bay, 5 

Wafting the stranger on his way again, 

Morn's genial influence roused a minstrel gray, 
And sweetly o'er the lake was heard thy strain, 
Mixed with the sounding harp, white-haired Allan-bane ! 

II. 

SONG. 

Not faster yonder rowers' might 10 

Flings from their oars the spray. 
Not faster yonder rippling bright. 
That tracks the shallop's course in light, 

Melts in the lake away, 
Than men from memory erase 16 

The benefits of former days ; 
Then, stranger, go ! good speed the while, 
Nor think again of the lonely isle. 

High place to thee in royal court. 

High place in battled line, 20 

27 



28 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto II. 

Good hawk and hound for sylvan sport. 
Where beauty sees the brave resort, 

The honored meed be thine ! 
True be thy sword, thy friend sincere, 
Thy lady constant, kind, and dear, 25 

And lost in love's and friendship's smile 
Be memory of the lonely isle ! 

III. 

SONG CONTINUED. 

But if beneath yon southern sky 

A plaided stranger roam. 
Whose drooping crest and stifled sigh, 30 

And sunken cheek and heavy eye 

Pine for his Highland home ; 
Then, warrior, then be thine to show 
The care that soothes a wanderer's woe ; 
Eemember then thy hap erewhile, 35 

A stranger in the lonely isle. 

Or if on life's uncertain main 

Mishap shall mar thy sail ; 
If faithful, wise, and brave in vain, 
Woe, want, and exile thou sustain 40 

Beneath the fickle gale ; 
Waste not a sigh on fortune changed, 
On thankless courts, or friends estranged. 
But come where kindred worth shall smile, 
To greet thee in the lonely isle. 45 

IV. 

As died the sounds upon the tide, 
The shallop reached the mainland side. 



Canto IL] THE ISLAND. 29 

And, ere his onward way he took, 

The stranger cast a lingering look, 

Where easily his eye might reach 50 

The Harper on the islet beach, 

Eeclined against a blighted tree, 

As wasted, gray, and worn as he. 

To minstrel meditation given. 

His reverend brow was raised to heaven, 55 

As from the rising sun to claim 

A sparkle of inspiring flame. 

His hand, reclined upon the wire. 

Seemed watching the awakening fire ; 

So still he sat as those who wait 60 

Till judgment speak the doom of fate; 

So still, as if no breeze might dare 

To lift one lock of hoary hair ; 

So still, as life itself were fled 

In the last sound his harp had sped. 65 



Upon a rock with lichens wild. 

Beside him Ellen sat and smiled. — 

Smiled she to see the stately drake 

Lead forth his fleet upon the lake, 

While her vexed spaniel from the beach 70 

Bayed at the prize beyond his reach ? 

Yet tell me, then, the maid who knows. 

Why deepened on her cheek the rose ? — 

Forgive, forgive. Fidelity ! 

Perchance the maiden smiled to see 75 

Yon parting lingerer wave adieu. 

And stop and turn to wave anew ; 

And, lovely ladies, ere your ire 



80 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Caxto U. 

Condemn the heroine of my lyre. 

Show me the fair wouhi scorn to spy 80 

And prize such conquest of her eye ! 

VI. 

While yet he loitered on the spot, 

It seemed as Ellen marked him not ; 

But, when he turned him to the glade, 

One courteous parting sign she made ; 85 

And after, oft the knight would say 

That not, when prize of festal day 

Was dealt him by the brightest fair 

Wlio e'er wore jewel in her hair, 

So highly did his bosom swell 90 

As at that simple mute farewell. 

Now with a trusty mountain-guide. 

And his dark stag-hounds by his side. 

He parts, — the maid, unconscious still, 

Watched him wind slowly round the hill ; 95 

But, when his stately form was hid. 

The guardian in her bosom chid, — 

*' Thy Malcolm I vain and selfish maid ! " 

'T was thus upbraiding conscience said, — 

"Not so had Malcolm idly hung 100 

On the smooth phrase of Southern tongue ; 

Not so had Malcolm strained his eye 

Another step than thine to spy.'' — 

"Wake, Allan-bane," aloud she cried 

To the old minstrel by her side, — 105 

" Arouse thee from thy moody dream ! 

I '11 give tliy harp heroic theme. 

And warm thee with a noble name ; 

Pour forth the glory of the Graeme ! " 



Canto II.] THE ISLAND. 31 

Scarce from her lip the word had rushed, 110 

When deep the conscious maiden blushed; 

For of his clan, in hall and bower. 

Young Malcolm Graeme was held the flower. 



VII. 

The minstrel waked his harp, — three times 

Arose the well-known martial chimes, 115 

And thrice their high heroic pride 

In melancholy murmurs died. 

" Vainly thou bidst, O noble maid," 

Clasping his withered hands, he said, 

"Vainly thou bidst me wake the strain, 120 

Though all unwont to bid in vain. 

Alas I than mine a mightier hand 

Has tuned my harp, my strings has spanned ! 

I touch the chords of joy, but low 

And mournful answer notes of woe ; 125 

And the proud march which victors tread 

Sinks in the wailing for the dead. 

O, well for me, if mine alone 

That dirge's deep prophetic tone! 

If, as my tuneful fathers said, 130 

This harp, which erst Saint Modan swayed, 

Can thus its master's fate foretell. 

Then welcome be the minstrel's knell ! 



VIII. 

"But ah ! dear lady, thus it sighed. 

The eve thy sainted mother died ; 136 

And such the sounds which, while I strove 

To wake a lay of war or love. 



32 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto II. 

Came marring all the festal mirth, 

Appalling me who gave them birth, 

And, disobedient to my call, 140 

Wailed loud through BothwelPs bannered hall. 

Ere Douglases, to ruin driven. 

Were exiled from their native heaven. — 

! if yet worse mishap and woe 

My master's house must undergo, 145 

Or aught but weal to Ellen fair 

Brood in these accents of despair, 

No future bard, sad Harp ! shall fling 

Triumph or rapture from thy string ; 

One short, one final strain shall flow, 150 

Fraught with unutterable woe. 

Then shivered shall thy fragments lie. 

Thy master cast him down and die ! " 

IX. 

Soothing she answered him : " Assuage, 

Mine honored friend, the fears of age ; 155 

All melodies to thee are known 

That harp has rung or pipe has blown. 

In Lowland vale or Highland glen, 

Erom Tweed to Spey, — what marvel, then, 

At times unbidden notes should rise, 160 

Confusedly bound in memory's ties. 

Entangling, as they rush along. 

The war-march with the funeral song ? — 

Small ground is now for boding fear ; 

Obscure, but safe, we rest us here. 165 

My sire, in native virtue great, 

Eesigning lordship, lands, and state. 

Not then to fortune more resigned 



Canto II.] THE ISLAND. 33 

Than yonder oak might give the wind ; 

The graceful foliage storms may reave, 170 

The noble stem they cannot grieve. 

For me/' — she stooped, and, looking round, 

Plucked a blue harebell from the ground, — 

" For me, whose memory scarce conveys 

An image of more splendid days, 175 

This little flower that loves the lea 

May well my simple emblem be ; 

It drinks heaven's dew as blithe as rose 

That in the King's own garden grows ; 

And, when I place it in my hair, 180 

Allan, a bard is bound to swear 

He ne'er saw coronet so fair." 

Then playfully the chaplet wild 

She wreathed in her dark locks, and smiled. 



X. 

Her smile, her speech, with winning sway, 185 

Wiled the old Harper's mood away. 

With such a look as hermits throw. 

When angels stooj) to soothe their woe, 

He gazed till fond regret and pride 

Thrilled to a tear, then thus replied : 190 

"Loveliest and best! thou little know'st 

The rank, the honors, thou hast lost ! 

O, might I live to see thee grace. 

In Scotland's court, thy birthright place, 

To see my favorite's step advance 195 

The lightest in the courtly dance. 

The cause of every gallant's sigh. 

And leading star of every eye. 



84 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto II. 

And theme of every minstrel's art, 

The Lady of the Bleeding Heart ! " 200 

XI. 

" Fair dreams are these," the maiden cried, — 

Light was her accent, yet she sighed, — 

"Yet is this mossy rock to me 

Worth splendid chair and canopy ; 

Nor would my footstep spring more gay 205 

In courtly dance than blithe strathspey, 

Nor half so pleased mine ear incline 

To royal minstrel's lay as thine. 

And then for suitors proud and high. 

To bend before my conquering eye, — 210 

Thou, flattering bard ! thyself wilt say 

That grim Sir Eoderick owns its sway. 

The Saxon scourge, Clan-Alpine's pride, 

The terror of Loch Lomond's side, 

Would, at my suit, thou know'st, delay 215 

A Lennox foray — for a day." — 

XII. 

The ancient bard her glee repressed: 

" 111 hast thou chosen theme for jest ! 

For who, through all this western wild, 

Named Black Sir Eoderick e'er and smiled ? 220 

In Holy-Rood a knight he slew ; 

I saw, when back the dirk he drew. 

Courtiers give place before the stride 

Of the undaunted homicide ; 

And since, though outlawed, hath his hand 225 

Full sternly kept his mountain land. 

Who else dared give — ah ! woe the day, 



Canto II.] THE ISLAND. 35 

That I such hated truth should say ! — 

The Douglas, like a stricken deer, 

Disowned by every noble peer, 230 

Even the rude refuge we have here ? 

Alas, this wild marauding Chief 

Alone might hazard our relief, 

And, now thy maiden charms expand. 

Looks for his guerdon in thy hand ; 235 

Full soon may dispensation sought. 

To back his suit, from Rome be brought. 

Then, though an exile on the hill, 

Thy father, as the Douglas, still 

Be held in reverence and fear ; 240 

And, though to Roderick thou 'rt so dear 

That thou mightst guide with silken thread, 

Slave of thy will, this chieftain dread. 

Yet, loved maid, thy mirth refrain ! 

Thy hand is on a lion's mane." — 246 

XIII. 

"Minstrel," the maid replied, and high 

Her father's soul glanced from her eye, 

" My debts to Roderick's house I know : 

All that a mother could bestow 

To Lady Margaret's care I owe, 250 

Since first an orphan in the wild 

She sorrowed o'er her sister's child ; 

To her brave chieftain son, from ire 

Of Scotland's king who shrouds my sire, 

A deeper, holier debt is owed ; 265 

And, could I pay it with my blood, 

Allan ! Sir Roderick should command 

My blood, my lifC; — but not my hand. 



THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Caxto H. 

Eather will Ellen Douglas dwell 

A votaress in Maronnon's cell ; 260 

Rather tlirougli realms beyond the sea, 

Seeking the world's cold charity, 

Where ne'er was spoke a Scottish word, 

And ne'er the name of Douglas heard, 

An outcast pilgrim will she rove, 265 

Than wed the man she cannot love. 

XIY. 

" Thou shak'st, good friend, thy tresses gray, — 

That pleading look, what can it say 

But what I own ? — I grant him brave. 

But wild as Bracklinn's thundering wave ; 270 

And generous, — save vindictive mood 

Or jealous transport chafe his blood: 

I grant him true to friendly band, 

As his claymore is to his hand ; 

But oh ! that very blade of steel 275 

More mercy for a foe would feel : 

I grant him liberal, to fling 

Among his clan the wealth they bring. 

When back by lake and glen they wind, 

And in the Lowland leave behind, 280 

Where once some pleasant hamlet stood, 

A mass of ashes slaked with blood. 

The hand that for my father fought 

I honor, as his daughter ought ; 

But can I clasp it reeking red 285 

From peasants slaughtered in their shed ? 

No ! wildly while his virtues gleam. 

They make his passions darker seem, 

And flash along his spirit high, 



ANToIL] TEE ISLAXD. 37 

Like lightning o'er the midnight sky. 290 

While yet a child, — and children know, 

Instinctive taught, the friend and foe, — 

I shuddered at his brow of gloom, 

His shadowy plaid and sable plume ; 

A maiden grown, I ill could bear 295 

^^is haughty mien and lordly air : 

^Dut, if thou join'st a suitor's claim. 
In serious mood, to Roderick's name, 
I thrill with anguish ! or, if e'er 
A Douglas knew the word, with fear. 300 

To change such odious theme were best, — 
What think'st thou of our stranger guest ?'' — 

XY. 

" What think I of him ? — woe the while 

That brought such wanderer to our isle ! 

Thy father's battle-brand, of yore 305 

For Tine-man forged by fairy lore. 

What time he leagued, no longer foes. 

His Border spears with Hotspur's bows, 

Did, self-unscabbarded, foreshow 

The footsteps of a secret foe. 310 

If courtly spy hath harbored here, 

What may we for the Douglas fear ? 

What for this island, deemed of old 

Clan-Alpine's last and surest hold ? 

If neither spy nor foe, I pray 315 

What yet may jealous Roderick say ? — 

Nay, wave not thy disdainful head. 

Bethink thee of the discord dread 

That kindled when at Beltane game 

Thou ledst the dance with Malcolm Graeme ; 320 



38 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto II. 

Still, tliougli thy sire the peace renewed, 

Smoulders in Eoderick's breast the feud : 

Beware ! — But hark ! what sounds are these ? 

My dull ears catch no faltering breeze, 

No weeping birch nor aspens wake, 325 

Nor breath is dimpling in the lake ; 

Still is the canna's hoary beard. 

Yet, by my minstrel faith, I heard — 

And hark again ! some pipe of war 

Sends the bold pibroch from afar." 330 

XVI. 

Far up the lengthened lake were spied 

Four darkening specks upon the tide, 

That, slow enlarging on the view. 

Four manned and masted barges grew, 

And, bearing downwards from Glengyle, 335 

Steered full upon the lonely isle ; 

The point of Brianchoil they passed. 

And, to the windward as they cast. 

Against the sun they gave to shine 

The bold Sir Eoderick's bannered Pine. 340 

Nearer and nearer as they bear. 

Spears, pikes, and axes flash in air. 

Now might you see the tartans brave. 

And plaids and plumage dance and wave : 

Now see the bonnets sink and rise, 345 

As his tough oar the rower plies ; 

See, flashing at each sturdy stroke, 

The wave ascending into smoke ; 

See the proud pipers on the bow. 

And mark the gaudy streamers flow 350 

From their loud chanters down, and sweep 



Canto II.] THE ISLAND. 39 

The furrowed bosom of the deep, 
As, rushiDg through the lake amain. 
They plied the ancient Highland strain. 

XVII. 

Ever, as on they bore, more loud 355 

And louder rung the pibroch proud. 

At first the sounds, by distance tame. 

Mellowed along the waters came. 

And, lingering long by cape and bay. 

Wailed every harsher note away, 360 

Then, bursting bolder on the ear. 

The clan's shrill Gathering they could hear, 

Those thrilling sounds that call the might 

Of old Clan-Alpine to the fight. 

Thick beat the rapid notes, as when 365 

The mustering hundreds shake the glen. 

And, hurrying at the signal dread. 

The battered earth returns their tread. 

Then prelude light, of livelier tone. 

Expressed their merry marching on, 370 

Ere peal of closing battle rose. 

With mingled outcry, shrieks, and blows ; 

And mimic din of stroke and ward, 

As broadsword upon target jarred; 

And groaning pause, ere yet again, 376 

Condensed, the battle yelled amain : 

The rapid charge, the rallying shout, 

Ketreat borne headlong into rout. 

And bursts of triumph, to declare 

Clan- Alpine's conquest — all were there. 380 

Nor ended thus the strain, but slow 

Sunk in a moan prolonged and low, • 



40 THE LADY OF TEE LAKE. [CAifToIL 

And clianged the conquering clarion swell 
For wild lament o'er those that fell. 



XTIII. 

The war-pipes ceased, but lake and hill 385 

Were busy with their echoes still ; 

And, when they slept, a vocal strain 

Bade their hoarse chorus wake again, 

TThile loud a hundred clansmen raise 

Their voices in their Chieftain's praise. 390 

Each boatman, bending to his oar, 

With measured sweep the burden bore, 

In such wild cadence as the breeze 

Makes through December's leafless trees. 

The chorus first could Allan know, 395 

" Roderick Yich Alpine, ho ! iro ! " 

And near, and nearer as they rowed, 

Distinct the martial ditty flowed. 

XIX. 
BOAT SOXG. 

Hail to the Chief who in triumph advances ! 

Honored and blessed be the ever-green Pine ! 400 
Long may the tree, in his banner that glances, 
nourish, the shelter and grace of our line ! 

Heaven send it happy dew, 

Earth lend it sap anew, 
G-aily to bourgeon and broadly to grow, 405 

While every Highland glen 

Sends our shout back again, 
" Eoderigh Vich Alpine dhu, ho ! ieroe I " 



caxtoii.] the islaxd. 41 

Ours is no sapling, chance-sown by the fountain, 

Blooming at Beltane, in winter to fade ; 410 

\\Tien the whirlwind has stripped every leaf on the mountain, 
The more shall Clan- Alpine exult in her shade. 

Moored in the rifted rock, 

Proof to the tempest's shock. 
Firmer he roots him the ruder it blow ; , 415 

]Menteith and Breadalbane, then, 

Echo his praise again, 
'' Koderigh Yich Alpine dhu, ho ! ieroe ! " 

XX. 

Proudly our pibroch xias thrilled in Glen Fruin, 

And Bannochar's groans to our slogan replied ; 420 

jrlen Luss and E-oss-dhu, they are smoking in ruin, 
And the best of Loch Lomond lie dead on her side. 
Widow and Saxon maid 
Long shall lament our raid. 
Think of Clan- Alpine with fear and with woe ; 425 

Lennox and Leven-glen 
Shake when they hear again, 
" Eoderigh Vich Alpine dhu, ho I ieroe I " 

Row, vassals, row, for the pride of the Highlands ! 

Stretch to your oars for the ever-green Pine ! 430 

3, that the rosebud that graces yon islands 
Were wreathed in a garland around him to twine ! 

0, that some seedling gem. 

Worthy such noble stem, 
Honored and blest in their shadow might grow ! 435 

Loud from Clan-Alpine then 

Ring from her deepmost glen, 
^' Koderigh Vich Alpine dhu, ho I ieroe ! " 



42 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto II. 

XXI. 

With all her joyful female band 

Had Lad}^ Margaret sought the strand, 440 

Loose on the breeze their tresses flew, 

And high their snowy arms they threw, 

As echoing back with shrill acclaim, 

And chorus wild, the Chieftain's name ; 

While, prompt to please, with mother's art, 445 

The darling passion of his heart, 

The Dame called Ellen to the strand, 

To greet her kinsman ere he land : 

" Come, loiterer, come ! a Douglas thou. 

And shun to wreathe a victor's brow ? " 450 

Eeluctantly and slow, the maid 

The unwelcome summoning obeyed, 

And, when a distant bugle rung. 

In the mid-path aside she sprung : — 

^' List, Allan-bane ! From mainland cast 455 

I hear my father's signal blast. 

Be ours." she cried, "the skiff to guide, 

And waft him from the mountain-side." 

Then, like a sunbeam swift and bright, 

She darted to her shallop light, 460 

And, eagerly while Eoderick scanned, 

For her dear form, his mother's band. 

The islet far behind her lay. 

And she had landed in the bay. 

XXII. 

Some feelings are to mortals given 465 

With less of earth in them than heaven ; 

And, if there be a human tear 

From passion's dross refined and clear, 



Canto II.] THE ISLAND. 43 

A tear so limpid and so meek 

It would not stain an angel's cheek, 470 

'T is that which pious fathers shed 

Upon a duteous daughter's head ! 

And, as the Douglas to his breast 

His darling Ellen closely pressed, 

Such holy drops her tresses steeped, 475 

Though 't was an hero's eye that weeped. 

Nor, while on Ellen's faltering tongue 

Her filial welcomes crowded hung, 

^larked she that fear — affection's proof — 

Still held a graceful youth aloof ; 480 

No ! not till Douglas named his name. 

Although the youth was Malcolm Graeme. 



XXIII. 

Allan, with wistful look the while, 

Marked Roderick landing on the isle ; 

His master piteously he eyed, 485 

Then gazed upon the Chieftain's pride. 

Then dashed with hasty hand away 

From his dimmed eye the gathering spray ; 

And Douglas, as his hand he laid 

On Malcolm's shoulder, kindly said : 490 

" Canst thou, young friend, no meaning spy 

In my poor follower's glistening eye ? 

I'll tell thee : — he recalls the day 

When in my praise he led the lay 

O'er the arched gate of Bothwell proud, 495 

While many a minstrel answered loud, 

AMien Percy's Norman pennon, won 

In bloody field, before me shone, 



44 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto II. 

And twice ten knights, the least a name 

As mighty as yon Chief may claim, 500 

Gracing my pomp, behind me came. 

Yet trust me, Malcolm, not so proud 

Was I of all that marshalled crowd, 

Though the waned crescent owned my might, 

And in my train trooped lord and knight, 505 

Though Blantyre hymned her holiest lays, 

And Both well's bard flung back my praise. 

As w^hen this old man's silent tear 

And this poor maid's affection dear 

A welcome give more kind and true 510 

Than aught my better fortunes knew. 

Forgive, my friend, a father's boast, — 

0, it out-beggars all I lost ! " 

XXIV. 

Delightful praise ! — like summer rose. 

That brighter in the dew-drop glows, 515 

The bashful maiden's cheek appeared, 

For Douglas spoke, and Malcolm heard. 

The flush of shame-faced joy to hide. 

The hounds, the hawk, her cares divide ; 

The loved caresses of the maid 520 

The dog with crouch and whimper paid ; 

And, at her wdiistle, on her hand 

The falcon took his favorite stand. 

Closed his dark wing, relaxed his eye, 

Nor, though unhooded, sought to fly. 525 

And, trust, while in such guise she stood. 

Like fabled Goddess of the wood. 

That, if a father's partial thought 

O'erweighed her worth and beauty aught. 



Canto II.] THE ISLAND. 45 

Well might the lover's judgment fail 530 

To balance with a juster scale ; 

For, with each secret glance he stole, 

The fond enthusiast sent his soul. 



XXV. 

Of stature fair, and slender frame, 

But firmly knit, was Malcolm Graeme. 635 

The belted plaid and tartan hose 

Did ne'er more graceful limbs disclose ; 

His flaxen hair, of sunny hue. 

Curled closely round his bonnet blue. 

Trained to the chase, his eagle eye 540 

The ptarmigan in snow could spy ; 

Each pass, by mountain, lake, and heath, 

He knew, through Lennox and Menteith ; 

Vain was the bound of dark-brown doe 

When Malcolm bent his sounding bow, . 545 

And scarce that doe, though winged with fear, 

Outstripped in speed the mountaineer : 

E-ight up Ben Lomond could he press, 

And not a sob his toil confess. 

His form accorded with a mind 550 

Lively and ardent, frank and kind ; 

A blither heart, till Ellen came. 

Did never love nor sorrow tame ; 

It danced as lightsome in his breast 

As played the feather on his crest. 555 

Yet friends, who nearest knew the youth, 

His scorn of wrong, his zeal for truth. 

And bards, who saw his features bold 

A\Tien kindled by the tales of old, 



46 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto II. 

Said, were that youth to manhood grown, 560 

Not long should Roderick Dhu's renoTVTi, 
Be foremost voiced by mountain fame, 
But quail to that of Malcolm Graeme. 

XXYI. 

Now back they wend their watery way, 

And, " my sire ! " did Ellen say, 665 

" Why urge thy chase so far astray ? 

And why so late returned ? And why " — 

The rest was in her speaking eye. 

" My child, the chase I follow far, 

'T is mimicry of noble war ; 570 

And with that gallant pastime reft 

Were all of Douglas I have left. 

I met young Malcolm as I strayed 

Far eastward, in Glenfinlas's shade ; 

Nor strayed I safe, for all around 575 

Hunters and horsemen scoured the ground. 

This youth, though still a royal ward, 

E-isked life and land to be mj- guard, 

And through the passes of the wood 

Guided m}^ steps, not unpursued ; 680 

And Eoderick shall his welcome make. 

Despite old spleen, for Dougliis's sake. 

Then must he seek Strath-Endrick glen, 

Nor peril aught for me again." 

XXVII. 

Sir Boderick, who to meet them came, 585 

Beddened at sight of ]\Ialcolm Graeme, 
Yet, not in action, word, or eye, 



Canto II.] THE ISLAND. 47 

Failed aught in hospitality. 

In talk and sport they whiled away 

The morning of that summer day ; 690 

But at high noon a courier light 

Held secret parley with the knight, 

Whose moody aspect soon declared 

That evil was the news he heard. 

Deep thought seemed toiling in his head ; 595 

Yet was the evening banquet made 

Ere he assembled round the flame 

His mother, Douglas, and the Graeme, 

And Ellen too ; then cast around 

His eyes, then fixed them on the ground, 600 

As studying phrase that might avail 

Best to convey unpleasant tale. 

Long with his dagger's hilt he played. 

Then raised his haughty brow and said : — 

XXVIII. 

" Short be my speech ; — nor time affords, 605 

Nor my plain temper, glozing words. 

Kinsman and father, — if such a name 

Douglas vouchsafe to Roderick's claim ; 

Mine honored mother ; — Ellen, — why. 

My cousin, turn away thine eye ? — 610 

And Grseme, in whom I hope to know 

Full soon a noble friend or foe. 

When age shall give thee thy command. 

And leading in thy native land, — 

List all ! — the King's vindictive pride 615 

Boasts to have tamed the Border-side, 

Where chiefs, with hound and hawk who came 

To share their monarch's sylvan game, 



48 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto II. 

Themselves in bloody toils were snared, 

And, when the banquet they prepared, 620 

And wide their loyal portals flung, 

O'er their own gateway struggling hung. 

Loud cries their blood from Meggat's mead, 

From Yarrow braes and banks of Tweed, 

Where the lone streams of Ettrick glide, 625 

And from the silver Teviot's side ; 

The dales, where martial clans did ride, 

Are now one sheep-walk, waste and wide. 

This tyrant of the Scottish throne. 

So faithless and so ruthless known, 630 

Now hither comes ; his end the same. 

The same pretext of sylvan game. 

What grace for Highland Chiefs, judge ye 

By fate of Border chivalry. 

Yet more ; amid Glenfinlas's green, 635 

Douglas, thy stately form was seen. 

This by espial sure I know : 

Your counsel in the streight I show." 



XXIX. 

Ellen and Margaret fearfully 

Sought comfort in each other's eye, 640 

Then turned their ghastly look, each one. 

This to her sire, that to her son. 

The hasty color went and came 

In the bold cheek of Malcolm Graeme, 

But from his glance it well appeared 645 

'T was but for Ellen that he feared ; 

While, sorrowful, but undismayed, 

The Douglas thus his counsel said: 



Canto n.] THE ISLAND. 49 

*' Brave Roderick, though the tempest roar, 

It may but thunder and pass o'er ; 660 

Nor will I here remain an hour, 

To draw the lightning on thy bower ; 

For well thou know'st, at this gray head 

The royal bolt were fiercest sped. 

For thee, who, at thy King's command, 655 

Canst aid him with a gallant band. 

Submission, homage, humbled pride 

Shall turn the Monarch's wrath aside. 

Poor remnants of the Bleeding Heart, 

Ellen and I will seek apart 660 

The refuge of some forest cell, 

There, like the hunted quarry, dwell. 

Till on the mountain and the moor 

The stern pursuit be passed and o'er,'' — 



XXX. 

"No, by mine honor," Roderick said, 665 

" So help me Heaven, and my good blade ! 

No, never ! Blasted be yon Pine, 

My fathers' ancient crest and mine, 

If from its shade in danger part 

The lineage of the Bleeding Heart ! 670 

Hear my blunt speech : grant me this maid 

To wife, thy counsel to mine aid ; 

To Douglas, leagued with Roderick Dhu, 

Will friends and allies flock enow ; 

Like cause of doubt, distrust, and grief, 675 

Will bind to us each Western chief. 

When the loud pipes my bridal tell. 

The Links of Forth shall hear the knell, 



So THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto II. 

The guards shall start in Stirling's porch ; 

And when I light the nuptial torch, 680 

A thousand villages in flames 

Shall scare the slumbers of King James ! 

Nay, Ellen, blench not thus away, 

And, mother, cease these signs, I pray ; 

I meant not all my heat might say. — 685 

Small need of inroad or of fight. 

When the sage Douglas may unite 

Each mountain clan in friendly band, 

To guard the jDasses of their land, 

Till the foiled King from pathless glen 690 

Shall bootless turn him home again." 

XXXI. 

There are who have, at midnight hour, 

In slumber scaled a dizzy tower, 

And, on the verge that beetled o'er 

The ocean tide's incessant roar, 695 

Dreamed calmly out their dangerous dream, 

Till wakened by the morning beam ; 

When, dazzled by the eastern glow, 

Such startler cast his glance below. 

And saw unmeasured depth around, 700 

And heard unintermitted sound. 

And thought the battled fence so frail, 

It waved like cobweb in the gale ; — 

Amid his senses' giddy wheel, 

Did he not desperate impulse feel, 705 

Headlong to plunge himself below. 

And meet the worst his fears foreshow ? — 

Thus Ellen, dizzy and astound, 

As sudden ruin yawned around, 



Canto IL] THE ISLAND. 51 

By crossing terrors wildly tossed, 710 

Still for the Douglas fearing most, 

Could scarce the desperate thought withstand, 

To buy his safety with her hand. 



XXXII. 

Such purpose dread could Malcolm spy 

In Ellen's quivering lip and eye, 716 

And eager rose to speak, — but ere 

His tongue could hurry forth his fear. 

Had Douglas marked the hectic strife, 

Where death seemed combating with life ; 

For to her cheek, in feverish flood, 720 

One instant rushed the throbbing blood, 

Then ebbing back, with sudden sway. 

Left its domain as wan as clay. 

" Roderick, enough ! enough ! " he cried, 

" My daughter cannot be thy bride ; 725 

Not that the blush to wooer dear. 

Nor paleness that of maiden fear. 

It may not be, — forgive her. Chief, 

Nor hazard aught for our relief. 

Against his sovereign, Douglas ne'er 730 

Will level a rebellious spear. 

'T was I that taught his youthful hand 

To rein a steed and wield a brand ; 

I see him yet, the princel}^ boy ! 

Not Ellen more my pride and joy; 735 

I love him still, despite my wrongs 

By hasty wrath and slanderous tongues. 

O, seek the grace you well may find. 

Without a cause to mine combined ! " 



52 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto II. 

XXXIII. 

Twice tlirough the hall the Chieftain strode ; 740 

The waving of his tartans broad, 

And darkened brow, where wounded pride 

With ire and disappointment vied, 

Seemed, by the torch's gloomy light, 

Like the ill Demon of the night, 745 

Stooping his pinions' shadowy sway 

Upon the nighted pilgrim's way : 

But, unrequited Love ! thy dart 

Plunged deepest its envenomed smart. 

And Eoderick, with thine anguish stung, 750 

At length the hand of Douglas wrung. 

While eyes that mocked at tears before 

With bitter drops were running o'er. 

The death-pangs of long-cherished hope 

Scarce in that ample breast had scope, 755 

But, struggling with his spirit proud. 

Convulsive heaved its checkered shroud, 

While every sob — so mute were all — 

Was heard distinctly through the hall. 

The son's despair, the mother's look, 760 

111 might the gentle Ellen brook ; 

She rose, and to her side there came. 

To aid her parting steps, the Graeme. 

XXXIV. 

Then Eoderick from the Douglas broke — 

As flashes flame through sable smoke, 765 

Kindling its wreaths, long, dark, and low, 

To one broad blaze of ruddy glow, 

So the deep anguish of despair 



Canto II.] THE ISLAND. 53 

Burst, in fierce jealousy, to air. 

With stalwart grasp his hand he laid 770 

On Malcolm's breast and belted plaid : 

" Back, beardless boy ! " he sternly said, 

" Back, minion ! holdst thou thus at naught 

The lesson I so lately taught ? 

This roof, the Douglas, and that maid, 775 

Thank thou for punishment delayed. '^ 

Eager as greyhound on his game. 

Fiercely with Roderick grappled Grseme. 

"Perish my name, if aught afford 

Its Chieftain safety save his sword ! " 780 

Thus as they strove, their desperate hand 

Gripped to the dagger or the brand, 

And death had been — but Douglas rose, 

And thrust between the struggling foes 

His giant strength : — " Chieftains, forego ! 785 

I hold the first who strikes my foe. — 

Madmen, forbear your frantic jar ! 

What ! is the Douglas fallen so far, 

His daughter's hand is deemed the spoil 

Of such dishonorable broil ? " 790 

Sullen and slowly they unclasp, 

As struck with shame, their desperate grasp, 

And each upon his rival glared. 

With foot advanced and blade half bared. 



XXXV. 

Ere yet the brands aloft were flung, 795 

Margaret on Roderick's mantle hung. 
And Malcolm heard his Ellen's scream, 
As faltered through terrific dream. 



64 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto U. 

Then Roderick plunged in sheath his sword, 

And veiled his wrath in scornful word : 800 

*' Eest safe till morning ; pity 't were 

Such cheek should feel the midnight air ! 

Then mayst thou to James Stuart tell, 

Eoderick will keep the lake and fell, 

Nor lackey with his freeborn clan 805 

The pageant pomp of earthlj' man. 

More would he of Clan- Alpine know, 

Thou canst our strength and passes show. — 

Malise, what ho I "' — his henchman came : 

"Give our safe-conduct to the Grieme." 810 

Young Malcolm answered, calm and bold : 

" Fear nothing for thy favorite hold ; 

The spot an angel deigned to grace 

Is blessed, though robbers haunt the place. 

Thy churlish courtesy for those 815 

Reserve, who fear to be thy foes. 

As safe to me the mountain way 

At midnight as in blaze of daj^. 

Though with his boldest at his back 

Even Eoderick Dhu beset the track. — 820 

Brave Douglas, — lovely Ellen, — nay, 

Naught here of parting will I say. 

Earth does not hold a lonesome glen 

So secret but we meet again. — 

Chieftain I we too shall find an hour," — 825 

He said, and left the sylvan bower. 



XXXVI. 

Old Allan followed to the strand — 
Such was the Douglas's command — 



Canto II.] THE ISLAND. 65 

And anxious told, how, on the morn. 

The stern Sir Eoderick deep had sworn 830 

The Fiery Cross should circle o'er 

Dale, glen, and valley, down and moor. 

Much were the peril to the Graeme 

From those who to the signal came ; 

Far up the lake 't were safest land, 8J5 

Himself would row him to the strand. 

He gave his counsel to the wind, 

While Malcolm did, unheeding, bind, 

Eound dirk and pouch and broadsword rolled, 

His ample plaid in tightened fold, 840 

And stripped his limbs to such array 

As best might suit the watery way, — 



XXXVII. 

Then spoke abrupt : " Farewell to thee. 

Pattern of old fidelity ! " 

The Minstrel's hand he kindly pressed, — 845 

" Oh, could I point a place of rest ! 

My sovereign holds in ward my land, 

My uncle leads my vassal band ; 

To tame his foes, his friends to aid. 

Poor Malcolm has but heart and blade. 850 

Yet, if there be one faithful Graeme 

Who loves the chieftain of his name, 

Not long shall honored Douglas dwell 

Like hunted stag in mountain cell ; 

Nor, ere yon pride-swollen robber dare, — 855 

I may not give the rest to air ! 

Tell Roderick Dhu I owed him naught, 

Not the poor service of a boat. 



56 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 



[Canto II. 



To waft me to yon mountain-side." 

Then plunged he in the flashing tide. 860 

Bold o'er the flood his head he bore, 

And stoutly steered him from the shore; 

And Allan strained his anxious eye, 

Far mid the lake his form to spy. 

Darkening across each puny wave, 865 

To which the moon her silver gave. 

Fast as the cormorant could swim. 

The swimmer plied each active limb ; 

Then landing in the moonlight dell. 

Loud shouted of his weal to tell. 870 

The Minstrel heard the far halloo. 

And joyful from the shore withdrew. 



CAJN'TO THIRD. 

THE GATHERING. 



Time rolls his ceaseless course. The race of yore, 

"Who danced our infancy upon their knee, 
And told our marvelling boyhood legends store 

Of their strange ventures happed by land or sea, 

How are they blotted from the things that be I .5 

How few, all weak and withered of their force, 

Wait on the verge of dark eternity. 
Like stranded wrecks, the tide returning hoarse, 
To sweep them from our sight I Time rolls his ceaseless 
course. 

Yet live there still who can remember well, 10 

How, when a mountain chief his bugle blew. 
Both field and forest, dingle, cliff, and dell, 

And solitary heath, the signal knew ; 

And fast the faithful clan around him drew, 
What time the warning note was keenly wound, 15 

"What time aloft their kindred banner flew. 
While clamorous war-pipes yelled the gathering sound, 
And while the Fiery Cross glanced, like a meteor, round. 

II. 

The Summer dawn's reflected hue 
To purple changed Loch Katrine blue ; 20 

Mildly and soft the western breeze 
Just kissed the lake, just stirred the trees, 
67 



58 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto III. 

And the pleased lake, like maiden coy, 

Trembled but dimpled not for joy: 

The mountain-shadows on her breast 25 

Were neither broken nor at rest ; 

In bright uncertainty they lie, 

Like future joys to Fancy's eye. 

The water-lily to the light 

Her chalice reared of silver bright ; 30 

The doe awoke, and to the lawn, 

Begemmed with dew-drops, led her fawn ; 

The gray mist left the mountain-side, 

The torrent showed its glistening pride ; 

Invisible in flecked sky 35 

The lark sent down her revelry ; 

The blackbird and the speckled thrush 

Good-morrow gave from brake and brush ; 

In answer cooed the cushat dove 

Her notes of peace and rest and love. 40 

III. 

No thought of peace, no thought of rest 

Assuaged the storm in Roderick's breast. 

With sheathed broadsword in his hand. 

Abrupt he paced the islet strand, 

And eyed the rising sun, and laid 45 

His hand on his impatient blade. 

Beneath a rock, his vassals' care 

Was prompt the ritual to prepare, 

With deep and deathful meaning fraught; 

For such Antiquity had taught 50 

Was preface meet, ere yet abroad 

The Cross of Fire should take its road. 

The shrinking band stood oft aghast 



Canto III.] THE GATHERING. 69 

At the impatient glance he cast ; — 

Such glance the mountain eagle threw, 55 

As, from the cliffs of Benvenue, 

She spread her dark sails on the wind, 

And, high in middle heaven reclined, 

With her broad shadow on the lake, 

Silenced the warblers of the brake. 60 

IV. 

A heap of withered boughs was piled. 

Of juniper and rowan wild, 

Mingled with shivers from the oak, 

Rent by the lightning's recent stroke. 

Brian the Hermit by it stood, 65 

Barefooted, in his frock and hood. 

His grizzled beard and matted hair 

Obscured a visage of despair ; 

His naked arms and legs, seamed o'er, 

The scars of frantic penance bore. 70 

That monk, of savage form and face, 

The impending danger of his race 

Had drawn from deepest solitude, 

Far in Benharrow's bosom rude. 

!N"ot his the mien of Christian priest, 75 

But Druid's, from the grave released. 

Whose hardened heart and eye might brook 

On human sacrifice to look ; 

And much, 't was said, of heathen lore 

Mixed in the charms he muttered o'er. 80 

The hallowed creed gave only worse 

And deadlier emphasis of curse. 

No peasant sought that Hermit's prayer. 

His cave the pilgrim shunned with care ; 



60 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto III. 

The eager huntsman knew his bound, 85 

And in mid chase called off his hound ; 

Or, if, in lonely glen or strath. 

The desert-dweller met his path, 

He prayed, and signed the cross between, 

While terror took devotion's mien. 90 

V. 

Of Brian's birth strange tales were told. 

His mother watched a midnight fold, 

Built deep within a dreary glen. 

Where scattered lay the bones of men 

In some forgotten battle slain, 95 

And bleached by drifting wind and rain. 

It might have tamed a warrior's heart 

To view such mockery of his art ! 

The knot-grass fettered there the hand 

Which once could burst an iron band ; 100 

Beneath the broad and ample bone. 

That bucklered heart to fear unknown, 

A feeble and a timorous guest, 

The fieldfare framed her lowly nest ; 

There the slow blindworm left his slime 105 

On the fleet limbs that mocked at time ; 

And there, too, lay the leader's skull. 

Still wreathed with chaplet, flushed and full, 

For heath-bell with her purple bloom 

Supplied the bonnet and the plume. iio 

All night, in this sad glen, the maid 

Sat shrouded in her mantle's shade : 

She said no shepherd sought her side, 

No hunter's hand her snood untied, 

Yet ne'er again to braid her hair 115 



Canto III.] THE GATHElilNG. 61 

The virgin snood did Alice wear ; 

Gone was her maiden guile and sport, 

Her maiden girdle all too short, 

Nor sought she, from that fatal night, 

Or holy church or blessed rite, 120 

But locked her secret in her breast. 

And died in travail, unconfessed. 

VI. 

Alone, among his young compeers. 

Was Brian from his infant years ; 

A moody and heart-broken boy, 125 

Estranged from sympathy and joy, 

Bearing each taunt which careless tongue 

On his mysterious lineage flung. 

Whole nights he spent by moonlight pale. 

To wood and stream his hap to wail, 130 

Till, frantic, he as truth received 

What of his birth the crowd believed. 

And sought, in mist and meteor fire. 

To meet and know his Phantom Sire ! 

In vain, to soothe his wayward fate, 135 

The cloister oped her pitying gate ; 

In vain the learning of the age 

Unclasped the sable-lettered page; 

Even in its treasures he could find 

Eood for the fever of his mind. 140 

Eager he read whatever tells 

Of magic, cabala, and spells, 

And every dark pursuit allied 

To curious and presumptuous pride ; 

Till, with fired brain and nerves o'erstrung 145 

And heart with mystic horrors wrung. 



62 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto III. 

Desperate he sought Benharrow's den, 
And hid him from the haunts of men. 



VII. 

The desert gave him visions wild, 

Such as might suit the spectre's child. 150 

Where with black cliffs the torrents toil. 

He watched the wheeling eddies boil, 

Till from their foam his dazzled eyes 

Beheld the Eiver Demon rise : 

The mountain mist took form and limb 155 

Of noontide hag or goblin grim ; 

The midnight wind came wild and dread, 

Swelled with the voices of the dead ; 

Far on the future battle-heath 

His eye beheld the ranks of death : 160 

Thus the lone Seer, from mankind hurled. 

Shaped forth a disembodied world. 

One lingering sympathy of mind 

Still bound him to the mortal kind ; 

The only parent he could claim 165 

Of ancient Alpine's lineage came. 

Late had he heard, in prophet's dream. 

The fatal Ben-Shie's boding scream ; 

Sounds, too, had come in midnight blast 

Of charging steeds, careering fast 170 

Along Benharrow's shingly side, 

Where mortal horseman ne'er might ride ; 

The thunderbolt had split the pine, — 

All augured ill to Alpine's line. 

He girt his loins, and came to show 175 

The signals of impending woe, 



Canto III.] THE GATUERI^^G. 63 

And now stood prompt to bless or ban, 
As bade the Chieftain of his clan. 

VIII. 

'T was all prepared ; — and from the rock 

A goat, the patriarch of the flock, 180 

Before the kindling pile was laid, 

And pierced by Roderick's ready blade. 

Patient the sickening victim eyed 

The life-blood ebb in crimson tide 

Down his clogged beard and shaggy limb, 185 

Till darkness glazed his eyeballs dim. 

The grisly priest, wdth murmuring prayer, 

A slender crosslet framed with care, 

A cubit's length in measure due ; 

The shaft and limbs were rods of yew, 190 

Whose parents in Inch-Calliach wave 

Their shadows o'er Clan- Alpine's grave, 

And, answering Lomond's breezes deep. 

Soothe many a chieftain's endless sleep. 

The Cross thus formed he held on high 195 

With wasted hand and haggard eye. 

And strange and mingled feelings woke. 

While his anathema he spoke : — 

IX. 

" Woe to the clansman who shall view 

This symbol of sepulchral yew, . 200 

Forgetful that its branches grew 

Where weep the heavens their holiest dew 

On Alpine's dwelling low ! 
Deserter of his Chieftain's trust. 
He ne'er shall mingle with their dust, 205 



CU THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Caxto III. 

But, from liis sires and kindred tlinist, 
Each clansman's execration just 

Shall doom him wrath and woe." 
He paused: — the word the vassals took, 
With forward step and fiery look, 2io 

On high their naked brands they shook. 
Their clattering targets wildly strook ; 

And first in murmur low, 
Then, like the billow in his course, 
That far to seaward finds his source, 215 

And flings to shore his mustered force, 
Burst with loud roar their answer hoarse, 

'' Woe to the traitor, woe I " 
Ben-an*s gray scalp the accents knew. 
The joyous wolf from covert drew, 220 

The exulting eagle screamed afar, — 
They knew the voice of Alpine's war. 

X. 

The shout was hushed on lake and fell, 
The Monk resumed his muttered spell : 
Dismal and low its accents came, 225 

The while he scathed the Cross with flame ; 
And the few words that reached the air, 
Although the holiest name was there, 
Had more of blasphemy than prayer. 
But when he shook above the crowd 230 

Its kindled points, he spoke aloud : — 
^' Woe to the wretch who fails to rear 
At this dread sign the ready spear ! 
For, as the flames this symbol sear. 
His home, the refuge of his fear, 235 

A kindred fate shall know ; 



Canto III.] TUE GATUERIXG, 65 

Far o'er its roof the volumed flame 

Clan-Alpine's vengeance shall proclaim, 

While maids and matrons on his name 

Shall call down wretchedness and shame, 240 

And infamy and woe." 
Then rose the cry of females, shrill 
As goshawk's whistle on the hill, 
Denouncing misery and ill, 
Mingled with childhood's babbling trill 245 

Of curses stammered slow ; 
Answering with imprecation dread, 
" Sunk be his home in embers red ! 
And cursed be the meanest shed 
That e'er shall hide the houseless head 250 

We doom to want and woe ! " 
A sharp and shrieking echo gave, 
Coir-Uriskin, thy goblin cave ! 
And the gray pass where birches wave 

On Beala-nam-bo. 255 

XI. 

Then deeper paused the priest anew, 

And hard his laboring breath he drew. 

While, with set teeth and clenched hand. 

And eyes that glowed like fiery brand. 

He meditated curse more dread, 260 

And deadlier, on the clansman's head 

Who, summoned to his chieftain's aid. 

The signal saw and disobeyed. 

The crosslet's points of sparkling wood 

He quenched among the bubbling blood, 265 

And, as again the sign he reared. 

Hollow and hoarse his voice was heard : 



6<0 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto III. 

" When flits this Cross from man to man, 

Vich-Alpine's summons to his clan, 

Burst be the ear that fails to heed ! 270 

Palsied the foot that shuns to speed ! 

•May ravens tear the careless eyes, 

Wolves make the coward heart their prize ! 

As sinks tliat blood-stream in the earth, 

So may his heart's-blood drench his hearth ! 275 

As dies in hissing gore the spark, 

Quench thou his light, Destruction dark ! 

And be the grace to him denied, 

Bought by this sign to all beside ! " 

He ceased ; no echo gave again 280 

The murmur of the deep Amen. 



XII. 

Then Eoderick with impatient look 

From Brian's hand the symbol took : 

"Speed, Malise, speed!" he said, and^gave 

The crosslet to his henchman brave. 285 

" The muster-place be Lanrick mead — 

Instant the time — speed, ]\ralise, speed ! " 

Like heath-bird, when the hawks pursue, 

A barge across Loch Katrine flew^ : 

High stood the henchman on the prow ; 290 

So rapidly the barge-men row, 

The bubbles, where the}^ launched the boat, 

Were all unbroken and afloat. 

Dancing in foam and ripple still, 

When it had neared the mainland hill ; 295 

And from the silver beach's side 

Still was the prow three fathom wide, 



CAjrrom.] THE GATHERISG. 67 

When lightly bounded to the land 
The messenger of blood and brand. 

XIII. 

Speed, Malise, speed I the dun deer's hide aoo 

On fleeter foot was never tied. 

Speed, 3Ialise, speed I such cause of haste 

Thine active sinews never braced. 

Bend 'gainst the steepy hill thy breast, 

Burst down like torrent from its crest ; 306 

With short and springing footstep pass 

The trembling bog and false morass: 

Across the brook like roebuck bound, 

And thread the brake like questing hound; 

The crag is high, the scaur is deep, 3io 

Yet shrink not from the desperate leap : 

Parched are thy burning lips and brow, 

Yet by the fountain pause not now ; 

Herald of battle, fate, and fear. 

Stretch onward in thy fleet career ! 315 

The wounded hind thou track'st not now, 

Pursuest not maid through greenwood bough, 

Xor pliest thou now thy flying pace 

With rivals in the mountain race : 

But danger, death, and warrior deed 320 

Are in thy course — speed, 3Ialise, speed ! 

XIV. 

Fasr as me fatal symbol flies, 

In arms the huts and hamlets rise; 

From winding glen, from upland brown, 

They poured each hardy tenant down. 335 



68 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 



[Canto III. 



Nor slacked the messenger his pace ; 

He showed the sign, he named the place, 

And, pressing forward like the wind. 

Left clamor and surprise behind. 

The fisherman forsook the strand, 330 

The swarthy smith took dirk and brand ; 

With changed cheer, the mower blithe 

Left in the half-cut swath his scythe; 

The herds without a keeper strayed, 

The plough was in mid-furrow stayed, 335 

The falconer tossed his hawk away, 

The hunter left the stag at bay ; 

Prompt at the signal of alarms. 

Each son of Alpine rushed to arms ; 

So swept the tumult and affray 340 

Along the margin of Achray. 

Alas, thou lovely lake ! that e'er 

Thy banks should echo sounds of fear ! 

The rocks, the bosky thickets, sleep 

So stilly on thy bosom deep, 345 

The lark's blithe carol from the cloud 

Seems for the scene too gaily loud. 



XV. 



Speed, Malise, speed ! The lake is past, 

Duncraggan's huts appear at last, 

And peep, like moss-grown rocks, half seen, 350 

Half hidden in the copse so green ; 

There mayst thou rest, thy labor done, 

Their lord shall speed the signal on. — 

As stoops the hawk upon his prey. 

The henchman shot him down the way. 355 

What Avoeful accents load the gale ? 



Canto III.] THE GATHEBING. 69 

The funeral yell, the female wail ! 
A gallant hunter's sport is o'er, 
A valiant warrior fights no more. 
Who, in the battle or the chase, 360 

At Roderick's side shall fill his place ! — 
Within the hall, where torch's ray- 
Supplies the excluded beams of daj^, 
Lies Duncan on his lonely bier. 

And o'er him streams his widow's tear. 365 

His stripling son stands mournful by, 
His youngest weeps, but knows not wliy ; 
The village maids and matrons round 
The dismal coronach resound. 

XVI. 
COROXACH. 

He is gone on the mountain, 370 

He is lost to the forest. 
Like a summer-dried fountain. 

When our need was the sorest. 
The font, reappearing. 

From the rain-drops shall borrow, 375 

But to us comes no cheering. 

To Duncan no morrow ! 

The hand of the reaper 

Takes the ears that are hoary. 
But the voice of the weeper 380 

Wails manhood in glory. 
The autumn winds rushing 

Waft the leaves that are searest, 
But our flower was in flushing, 

When blighting was nearest. 385 



70 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto III. 

Fleet foot on the correi, 

Sage counsel in cumber, 
Eed hand in the foray, 

How sound is thy slumber ! 
Like the dew on the mountain, 390 

Like the foam on the river, 
Like the bubble on the fountain, 

Thou art gone, and forever ! 

XVII. 

See Stumah, who, the bier beside, 

His master's corpse with wonder eyed, 395 

Poor Stumah ! whom his least halloo 

Could send like R.ghtning o'er the dew. 

Bristles his crest, and points his ears. 

As if some stranger step he hears. 

'T is not a mourner's muffled tread, 400 

Who comes to sorrow o'er the dead, 

But headlong haste or deadly fear 

Urge the precipitate career. 

All stand aghast: — unheeding all. 

The henchman bursts into the hall ; 405 

Before the dead man's bier he stood, 

Held forth the Cross besmeared with blood ; 

" The muster-place is Lanrick mead ; 

Speed forth the signal ! clansmen, speed ! '' 

XVIII. 

Angus, the heir of Duncan's line, . 410 

Sprung forth and seized the fatal sign. 

In haste the stripling to his side 

His father's dirk and broadsword tied ; 

But, when he saw his mother's eye 



Canto III.] THE GATHERING. 71 

Watch him in speechless agony, 415 

Back to her opened arms he flew, 

Pressed on her lips a fond adieu, — 

" Alas ! " she sobbed, — " and yet be gone. 

And speed thee forth like Duncan's son ! " 

One look he cast upon the bier, 420 

Dashed from his eye the gathering tear. 

Breathed deep to clear his laboring breast, 

And tossed aloft his bonnet crest, 

Then, like the high-bred colt when, freed. 

First he essays his fire and speed, 425 

He vanished, and o'er moor and moss 

Sped forward with the Fiery Cross. 

Suspended was the widow's tear 

While yet his footsteps she could hear ; 

And when she marked the henchman's eye 430 

Wet with unwonted sympathy, 

"Kinsman," she said, "his race is run 

That should have sped thine errand on ; 

The oak has fallen, — the sapling bough 

Is all Duncraggan's shelter now. 435 

Yet trust I well, his duty done, 

The orphan's God will guard my son. — 

And you, in many a danger true, 

At Duncan's hest your blades that drew, 

To arms, and guard that orphan's head ! 440 

Let babes and women wail the dead." 

Then weapon-clang and martial call 

Eesounded through the funeral hall. 

While from the walls the attendant band 

Snatched sword and targe with hurried hand ; 445 

And short and flitting energy 

Glanced from the mourner's sunken eye, 



72 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto III. 

As if the sounds to warrior dear 

Might rouse her Duncan from his bier. 

But faded soon that borrowed force ; 450 

Grief claimed his right, and tears their course. 



XIX. 

Benledi saw the Cross of Fire, 

It glanced like lightning up Strath-Ire. 

O'er dale and hill the summons flew. 

Nor rest nor pause young Angus knew ; 455 

The tear that gathered in his eye 

He left the mountain-breeze to dry ; 

Until, where Teith's young waters roll 

Betwixt him and a wooded knoll 

That graced the sable strath with green, 460 

The chapel of Saint Bride was seen. 

Swoln was the stream, remote the bridge, 

But Angus paused not on the edge ; 

Though the dark waves danced dizzily, 

Though reeled his sympathetic eye, 465 

He dashed amid the torrent's roar : 

His right hand high the crosslet bore, 

His left the pole-axe grasped, to guide 

And stay his footing in the tide. 

He stumbled twice, — the foam splashed high, 470 

With hoarser swell the stream raced by ; 

And had he fallen, — forever there. 

Farewell Duncraggan's orphan heir ! 

But still, as if in parting life. 

Firmer he grasped the Cross of strife, 475 

Until the opposing bank he gained. 

And up the chapel pathway strained. 



Canto III.] THE GATHERING. 73 

XX. 

A blithesome rout that morning-tide 

Had sought the chapel of Saint Bride. 

Her troth Tombea's Mary gave 480 

To Norman, heir of Armandave, 

And, issuing from the Gothic arch, 

The bridal now resumed their march. 

In rude but glad procession came 

Bonneted sire and coif-clad dame : 485 

And plaided youth, with jest and jeer, 

Which snooded maiden would not hear; 

And children, that, unwitting why. 

Lent the gay shout their shrilly cry ; 

And minstrels, that in measures vied 490 

Before the youth and bonny bride. 

Whose downcast eye and cheek disclose 

The tear and blush of morning rose. 

With virgin step and bashful hand 

She held the kerchief's snowy band. 495 

The gallant bridegroom by her side 

Beheld his prize with victor's pride. 

And the glad mother in her ear 

Was closely whispering word of cheer. 

XXI. 

Who meets them at the churchyard gate ? 500 

The messenger of fear and fate ! 

Haste in his hurried accent lies. 

And grief is swimming in his eyes. 

All dripping from the recent flood, 

Panting and travel-soiled he stood, 505 

The fatal sign of fire and sword 

Held forth, and spoke the appointed word : 



74 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto III. 

" The muster-place is Lanrick mead ; 

Speed forth the signal !^ Xormaii, speed ! " 

And must he change so soon the hand, 510 

Just linked to his by holy band, 

For the fell Cross of blood and brand ? 

And must the day so blithe that rose, 

And promised rapture in the close. 

Before its setting hour, divide 515 

The bridegroom from the plighted bride ? 

fatal doom ! — it must ! it must ! 

Clan- Alpine's cause, her chieftain's trust, 

Her sumnions dread, brook no delay ; 

Stretch to the race, — away ! away ! 520 

XXII. 

Yet slow he laid his plaid aside, 

And lingering eyed his lovely bride, 

Until he saw the starting tear 

Speak woe he might not stop to cheer ; 

Then, trusting not a second look, 525 

In haste he sped him up the brook, 

Nor backward glanced till on the heath 

Where Lubnaig's lake supplies the Teith. — 

What in the racer's bosom stirred? 

The sickening pang of hope deferred, 530 

And memory with a torturing train 

Of all his morning visions vain. 

Mingled with love's impatience, came 

The manly thirst for martial fame ; 

The stormy joy of mountaineers « 535 

Ere yet they rush upon the spears ; 

And zeal for Clan and Chieftain burning, 

And hope, from well-fought field returning, 



Canto III.] THE GATHERING. 75 

With war's red honors on his crest, 

To clasp his Mary to his breast. 540 

Stung by such thoughts, o'er bank and brae, 

Like fire from flint he glanced away. 

While high resolve and feeling strong 

Burst into voluntary song. 



XXIII. 
SOXG. 

The heath this night must be my bed, 545 

The bracken curtain for my head, 
My lullaby the warder's tread. 

Far, far, from love and thee, Mary ; 
To-morrow eve, more stilly laid. 
My couch may be my bloody plaid, 550 

My vesper song thy wail, sweet maid ! 

It will not Avaken me, Mary ! 

I may not, dare not, fancy now 

The grief that clouds thy lovely brow, 

I dare not think upon thy vow, 555 

And all it promised me. Mar}'. 
No fond regret must Norman know; 
When bursts Clan-Alpine on the foe. 
His heart must be like bended bow. 

His foot like arrow free, Mary. 560 

A time will come with feeling fraught. 
For, if I fall in battle fought. 
Thy hapless lover's dying thought 

Shall be a thought on thee, Mary. 



76 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto III 

And, if returned from conquered foes, 565 

How blithely will the evening close. 
How sweet the linnet sing repose, 

To my young bride and me, Mary ! 



XXIV. 

Not faster o'er thy heathery braes, 

Balquidder, speeds the midnight blaze, 570 

Eushing in conflagration strong 

Thy deep ravines and dells along. 

Wrapping thy cliffs in purple glow. 

And reddening the dark lakes below ; 

Nor faster speeds it, nor so far, 575 

As o'er thy heaths the voice of war. 

The signal roused to martial coil 

The sullen margin of Loch Voil, 

Waked still Loch Doine, and to the source 

Alarmed, Balvaig, thy swampy course ; 580 

Thence southward turned its rapid road 

Adown Strath-Gartney's valley broad. 

Till rose in arms each man might claim 

A portion in Clan-Alpine's name. 

From the gray sire, whose trembling hand 585 

Could hardly buckle on his brand. 

To the raw boy, whose shaft and bow 

Were yet scarce terror to the crow. 

Each valley, each sequestered glen. 

Mustered its little horde of men, 590 

That met as torrents from the height 

In Highland dales their streams unite, 

Still gathering, as they pour along, 

A voice more loud, a tide more strong, 



Canto III.] THE GATHERING, 77 

Till at the rendezvous they stood 595 

By hundreds prompt for blows and blood, 

Each trained to arms since life began, 

Owning no tie but to his clan, 

No oath but by his chieftain's hand, 

No law but Eoderick Dhu's command. 600 



XXV. 

That summer morn had Eoderick Dhu 

Surveyed the skirts of Benvenue, 

And sent his scouts o'er hill and heath, 

To view the frontiers of Menteith. 

All backward came with news of truce; 605 

Still lay each martial Graeme and Bruce, 

In Eednock courts no horsemen wait, 

No banner waved at Cardross gate. 

On Duchray's towers no beacon shone. 

Nor scared the herons from Loch Con ; 610 

All seemed at peace. — Now wot ye why 

The Chieftain with such anxious eye, 

Ere to the muster he repair. 

This western frontier scanned with care ? — 

In Benvenue's most darksome cleft, 615 

A fair though cruel pledge was left ; 

For Douglas, to his promise true, 

That morning from the isle withdrew. 

And in a deep sequestered dell 

Had sought a low and lonely cell. 620 

By many a bard in Celtic tongue 

Has Coir-nan-Uriskin been sung ; 

A softer name the Saxons gave. 

And called the grot the Goblin Cave. 



78 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto III. 



XXVI. 

It was a wild and strange retreat, 625 

As e'er was trod by outlaw's feet. 

The dell, upon the mountain's crest. 

Yawned like a gash on warrior's breast ; 

Its trench had stayed full many a rock, 

Hurled by primeval earthquake shock 630 

From Benvenue's gray summit wild. 

And here, in random ruin piled, 

They frowned incumbent o'er the spot, 

And formed the rugged sylvan grot. 

The oak and birch with mingled shade 635 

At noontide there a twilight made, 

Unless when short and sudden shone 

Some straggling beam on cliff or stone. 

With such a glimpse as prophet's eye 

Gains on thy depth, Futurity. 640 

No murmur waked the solemn still. 

Save tinkling of a fountain rill ; 

But, when the wind chafed with the lake, 

A sullen sound would upward break, 

With dashing hollow voice, that spoke 645 

The incessant war of wave and rock. 

Suspended cliffs with hideous sway 

Seemed nodding o'er the cavern gray. 

From such a den the wolf had sprung. 

In such the wild-cat leaves her young ; 650 

Yet Douglas and his daughter fair 

Sought for a space their safety there. 

Gray Superstition's whisper dread 

Debarred the spot to vulgar tread ; 

For there, she said, did fays resort, 655 



Canto III.] THE GATHERING, 79 

And satyrs hold their sylvan court, 
By moonlight tread their mystic maze, 
And blast the rash beholder's gaze. 

XXVII. 

Now eve, with western shadows loner. 

Floated on Katrine bright and strong, 660 

When Roderick with a chosen few 

Eepassed the heights of Benvenue. 

Above the Goblin Cave they go, 

Through the wild pass of Beal-nani-bo ; 

The prompt retainers speed before, 665 

To launch the shallop from the shore. 

For 'cross Loch Katrine lies his way 

To view the passes of Achray, 

And place his clansmen in array. 

Yet lags the Chief in musing mind, 670 

Unwonted sight, his men behind. 

A single page, to bear his sword, 

Alone attended on his lord ; 

The rest their way through thickets break. 

And soon await him by the lake. 675 

It was a fair and gallant sight. 

To view them from the neighboring height, 

By the low-levelled sunbeam's light ! 

For strength and stature, from the clan 

Each warrior was a chosen man, 680 

As even afar might well be seen. 

By their proud step and martial mien. 

Their feathers dance, their tartans float. 

Their targets gleam, as by the boat 

A wild and warlike group they stand, 685 

That well became such mountain-strand. 



80 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto III. 

XXYIII. 

Their Chief with step reluctant still 

Was lingering on the craggy hill, 

Hard by where turned apart the road 

To Douglas's obscure abode. 690 

It was but with that dawning morn 

That Roderick Dhu had proudly sworn 

To drown his love in war's wild roar, 

Nor think of Ellen Douglas more ; 

But he who stems a stream with sand, 695 

And fetters fame with flaxen band, 

Has yet a harder task to prove, — 

By firm resolve to conquer love ! 

Eve finds the Chief, like restless ghost, 

Still hovering near his treasure lost; 700 

For, though his haughty heart deny 

A parting meeting to his eye. 

Still fondly strains his anxious ear 

The accents of her voice to hear. 

And inly did he curse the breeze 705 

That waked to sound the rustling trees. 

But hark ! what mingles in the strain ? 

It is the harp of Allan-bane, 

That wakes its measure slow and high. 

Attuned to sacred minstrelsy. 710 

What melting voice attends the strings ? 

'T is Ellen, or an angel, sings. 

XXIX. 
HYMN TO THE VIRGIN. 

Ave Maria ! maiden mild ! 
Listen to a maiden's prayer ! 



Canto III.] THE GATHERING. 81 

Thou canst hear though from the wild, 715 

Thou canst save amidst despair. 
Safe may we sleep beneath thy care, 

Though banished, outcast, and reviled — 
Maiden! hear a maiden's prayer; 

Mother, hear a suppliant child ! 720 

Ave Maria ! 

Ave Maria ! undefiled ! 

The flinty couch we now must share 
Shall seem with down of eider piled. 

If thy protection hover there. 
The murky cavern's heavy air 725 

Shall breathe of balm if thou hast smiled ; 
Then, Maiden ! hear a maiden's prayer, 

Mother, list a suppliant child ! 

Ave Maria ! 

Ave Maria ! stainless styled ! 

Foul demons of the earth and air, 730 

From this their wonted haunt exiled, 

Shall flee before thy presence fair. 
We bow us to our lot of care. 

Beneath thy guidance reconciled : 
Hear for a maid a maiden's prayer, 735 

And for a father hear a child ! 

Ave Mariaj ! 



XXX. 

Died on the harp the closing hymn, — 

Unmoved in attitude and limb. 

As listening still, Clan-Alpine's lord 

Stood leaning on his heavy sword, 740 



THE LADY OF 1H£ LAKE, [Camo 111. 

Until the jxige with humWe sign 

Twice pointed to the sun's decline. 

Then while his plaid he round him ca^t, 

** It is the last time — 'tis the la;?t," 

He muttered thrice, — "the hist time e'er 745 

That an^l-voice shall Roiierick hear I *' 

It was a goading thoughts — his stride 

Hied hastier down the mount^iun-side ; 

Sullen he flung him in the boat. 

An instant 'cross the lake it shot T50 

Thoy landed in that silvery bay. 

And eastward held their hasty way. 

Till, with the latest beams of light. 

The baud arrived on Lanrick height, 

Where mustered in tlie vale below 755 

Clan-Alpine's men in martial show. 



XXXI. 

A vai'ious scene the clansmen made : 

Some sat, some stood, some slowly strayed ; 

But most, with mantles folded round. 

Were couched to rest upon the ground, 760 

Scarce to be known by curious eye 

From the deep hearher where they lie, 

So well was matched the tartan screen 

With heath-bell dark and brackens green ; 

Unless where, here and there, a blade 765 

Or lance's point a glimmer made. 

Like glow-worm twinkling through the shade. 

But. when, advancing through the gloom, 

They saw the Chieft;\in*s eagle plume. 

Their shout of welcome, shrill and wide, 770 



Canto III] THE GATHERING. 83 

Shook the steep mountain's steady side. 

Thrice it arose, and lake and fell 

Three times returned the martial yell ; 

It died upon Bochastle's plain, 

And Silence claimed her evening reign. 775 



CANTO FOURTH. 

THE PROPHECY. 
I. 

"The rose is fairest when 't is budding new, 

And hope is brightest when it dawns from fears ; 
The rose is sweetest washed with morning dew, 

And love is loveliest when embalmed in tears. 

wilding rose, whom fancy thus endears, 5 

I bid your blossoms in my bonnet wave. 

Emblem of hope and love through future years ! " 
Thus spoke young Korman, heir of Armandave, 
What time the sun arose on Vennacha.r's broad wave. 

II. 

Such fond conceit, half said, half sung, 10 

Love prompted to the bridegroom's tongue. 
All while he stripped the wild-rose spray, 
His axe and bow beside him lay. 
For on a pass 'twixt lake and wood 
A wakeful sentinel he stood. 15 

Hark ! — on the rock a footstep rung, 
And instant to his arms he sprung. 
" Stand, or thou diest ! — \Yhat, Malise ? — soon 
Art thou returned from Braes of Doune. 
By thy keen step and glance I know, 20 

Thou bring'st us tidings of the foe." — 
For while the Fiery Cross hied on, 
On distant scout had Malise gone. — 
84 



Canto IV.] THE PROPHECY. 85 

"Where sleeps the Chief?" the henchman said. 
"Apart, in yonder misty glade ; 25 

To his lone couch I'll be your guide." 

Then called a slumberer by his side, 
And stirred him with his slackened bow, — 
" Up, up, Glentarkin ! rouse thee, ho ! 
We seek the Chieftain ; on the track 
Keep eagle watch till I come back." 



30 



III. 



Together up the pass they sped : 

" What of the foeman? " Norman said. — 

"Varying reports from near and far; 

This certain, — that a band of war 

Has for two days been ready bonne, 

At prompt command to march from Doune ; 

King James the while, with princely powers, 

Holds revelry in Stirling towers. 

Soon will this dark and gathering cloud 

Speak on our glens in thunder loud. 

Inured to bide such bitter bout. 

The warrior's plaid may bear it out ; 

But, Norman, how wilt thou provide 

A shelter for thy bonny bride ? " 

" What ! know ye not that Roderick's care 

To the lone isle hath caused repair 

Each maid and matron of the clan. 

And every child and aged man 

Unfit for arms ; and given his charge, 

Nor skiff nor shallop, boat nor barge. 

Upon these lakes shall float at large,' 

But all beside the islet moor. 

That such dear pledge may rest secure ? '^ 



35 



40 



45 



50 



THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto IV. 

IV. 

" 'Tis well advised, — the Chieftain's plan 55 

Bespeaks the father of his clan. 

But wherefore sleeps Sir Roderick Dhu 

Apart from all his followers true ? " 

" It is because last evening-tide 

Brian an augury hath tried, 60 

Of that dread kind which must not be 

Unless in dread extremity, 

The Taghairm called ; by which, afar. 

Our sires foresaw the events of war. 

Duncraggan's milk-white bull they slew," — 65 

MALISE. 

" Ah ! well the gallant brute I knew ! 

The choicest of the prey we had 

When swept our merrymen Gallangad, 

His hide was snow, his horns were dark. 

His red eye glowed like fiery spark ; 70 

So fierce, so tameless, and so fleet. 

Sore did he cumber our retreat. 

And kept our stoutest kerns in awe. 

Even at the pass of Beal 'maha. 

But steep and flinty was the road, 75 

And sharp the hurrying pikeman's goad. 

And when we came to Dennan's Row 

A child might scathless stroke his brow." 

V. 

NORMAN. 

" That bull was slain ; his reeking hide 

They stretched the cataract beside, 80 



Canto IV.] THE PROPHECY. 87 

Whose waters their wild tumult toss 

Adown the black and craggy boss 

Of that huge cliff whose ample verge 

Tradition calls the Hero's Targe. 

Couched on a shelf beneath its brink, 85 

Close where the thundering torrents sink, 

Eocking beneath their headlong sway. 

And drizzled by the ceaseless spray, 

Midst groan of rock and roar of stream, 

The wizard waits prophetic dream. 90 

Nor distant rests the Chief; — but hush ! 

See, gliding slow through mist and bush. 

The hermit gains yon rock, and stands 

To gaze upon our slumbering bands. 

Seems he not, Malise, like a ghost, 95 

That hovers o'er a slaughtered host ? 

Or raven on the blasted oak, 

That, watching while the deer is broke, 

His morsel claims with sullen croak ? " 

MALISE. 

" Peace ! peace ! to other than to me lOo 

Thy words were evil augury; 

But still I hold Sir Koderick's blade 

Clan-Alpine's omen and her aid, 

Not aught that, gleaned from heaven or hell. 

Yon fiend-begotten Monk can tell. 105 

The Chieftain joins him, see — and now 

Together they descend the brow." 

VI. 

And, as they came, with Alpine's Lord 
The Hermit Monk held solemn word : — 



88 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto IV. 

**Koderick! it is a fearful strife, 110 

For man endowed with mortal life, 

Whose shroud of sentient clay can still 

Feel feverish pang and fainting chill, 

Whose eye can stare in stony trance, 

Whose hair can rouse like warrior's lance, — 115 

'T is hard for such to view, unfurled. 

The curtain of the future world. 

Yet, witness every quaking limb, 

My sunken pulse, mine eyeballs dim. 

My soul with harrowing anguish torn, 120 

This for my Chieftain have I borne ! — 

The shapes that sought my fearful couch 

A human tongue may ne'er avouch ; 

No mortal man — save he, who, bred 

Between the living and the dead, 125 

Is gifted beyond nature's law — 

Had e'er survived to say he saw. 

At length the fateful answer came 

In characters of living flame ! 

Nor spoke in word, nor blazed in scroll, 130 

But borne and branded on my soul : — 

Which spills the foremost foeman's life, 

That party coxquers ix the strife." 

YII. 

" Thanks, Brian, for thy zeal and care ! 

Good is thine augury, and fair. 135 

Clan- Alpine ne'er in battle stood 

But first our broadswords tasted blood. 

A surer victim still I know. 

Self-offered to the auspicious blow : 

A spy has sought my land this morn, — 140 



Canto IV.] THE PROPHECY. 89 

No eve shall witness his return ! 

My followers guard each pass's mouth, 

To east, to westward, and to south ; 

Red Murdoch, bribed to be his guide, 

Has charge to lead his steps aside, 145 

Till in deep path or dingle brown 

He light on those shall bring him down. — 

But see, who comes his news to show ! 

Malise ! what tidings of the foe ? " 



VIII. 

" At Doune, o'er many a spear and glaive 150 

Two Barons proud their banners wave. 

I saw the Moray's silver star. 

And marked the sable pale of Mar." 

'^ By Alpine's soul, high tidings those ! 

I love to hear of worthy foes. 155 

When move they on ? " " To-morrow's noon 

AVill see them here for battle boune." 

'' Then shall it see a meeting stern ! 

But, for the place, — say, couldst thou learn 

Nought of the friendly clans of Earn ? 160 

Strengthened by them, we well might bide 

The battle on Benledi's side. 

Thou couldst not ? — well ! Clan-Alpine's men 

Shall man the Trosachs' shaggy glen ; 

Within Loch Katrine's gorge we '11 fight, 165 

All in our maids' and matrons' sight. 

Each for his hearth and household fire, 

Father for child, and son for sire, 

Lover for maid beloved ! — But why — 

Is it the breeze affects mine eye ? 170 



90 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto IV. 

Or dost thou come, ill-omened tear ! 

A messenger of doubt or fear ? 

'No ! sooner may the Saxon lance 

Unfix Benledi from his stance, 

Than doubt or terror can pierce through 175 

The unyielding heart of Eoderick Dhu ! 

'T is stubborn as his trusty targe. 

Each to his post ! — all know their charge." 

The pibroch sounds, the bands advance. 

The broadswords gleam, the banners dance, 180 

Obedient to the Chieftain's glance. — 

I turn me from the martial roar. 

And seek Coir-Uriskin once more. 

IX. . 

Where is the Douglas ? — he is gone ; 

And Ellen sits on the gray stone 185 

Fast by the cave, and makes her moan, 

While vainly Allan's words of cheer 

Are poured on her unheeding ear. 

" He will return — dear lady, trust ! — 

With joy return ; — he will — he must. 190 

Well was it time to seek afar 

Some refuge from impending war. 

When e'en Clan- Alpine's rugged swarm 

Are cowed by the approaching storm. 

I saw their boats with many a light, 195 

Floating the livelong yesternight, 

Shifting like flashes darted forth 

By the red streamers of the north ; 

I marked at morn how close they ride. 

Thick moored by the lone islet's side, 200 

Like wild ducks couching in the fen 



Canto IV.] THE PROPHECY. 91 

When stoops the hawk upon the glen. 

Since this rude race dare not abide 

The peril on the mainland side, 

Shall not thy noble father's care 205 

Some safe retreat for thee prepare ? " 



ELLEX. 

" No, Allan, no ! Pretext so kind 

My wakeful terrors could not blind. 

When in such tender tone, yet grave, 

Douglas a parting blessing gave, 210 

The tear that glistened in his eye 

Drowned not his purpose fixed and high. 

My soul, though feminine and weak. 

Can image his ; e'en as the lake. 

Itself disturbed by slightest stroke, 215 

Eeflects the invulnerable rock. 

He hears report of battle rife. 

He deems himself the cause of strife. 

I saw him redden when the theme 

Turned, Allan, on thine idle dream 220 

Of Malcolm Graeme in fetters bound. 

Which I, thou saidst, about him wound. 

Think'st thou he trowed thine omen aught ? 

O no ! 't was apprehensive thought 

For the kind youth, — for Koderick too — 225 

Let me be just — that friend so true ; 

In danger both, and in our cause ! 

Minstrel, the Douglas dare not pause. 

Why else that solemn w^arning given, 

* If not on earth, we meet in heaven ! ' 230 



92 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto IV. 

Why else, to Cambus-kennetli's fane, 

If eve return him not again, 

Am I to hie and make me known ? 

Alas ! he goes to Scotland's throne. 

Buys his friends' safety with his own ; 235 

He goes to do — what I had done. 

Had Douglas's daughter been his son ! " 

XI. 

"Nay, lovely Ellen ! — dearest, nay ! 

If aught should his return delay, 

He only named yon holy fane 240 

As fitting place to meet again. 

Be sure he's safe ; and for the Graeme, — 

Heaven's blessing on his gallant name ! — 

My visioned sight may yet prove true, 

Nor bode of ill to him or you. 245 

When did my gifted dream beguile ? 

Think of the stranger at the isle. 

And think upon the harpings slow 

That presaged this approaching woe ! 

Sooth was my prophecy of fear ; 250 

Believe it when it augurs cheer. 

Would we had left this dismal spot ! 

Ill luck still haunts a fairy grot. 

Of such a w^ondrous tale I know — 

Dear lady, change that look of woe, 255 

My harp was wont thy grief to cheer." 

ELLEN. 

" Well, be it as thou wilt ; I hear. 
But cannot stop the bursting tear." 



Canto IV.] THE PROPHECY. 93 

The Minstrel tried his simple art, 

But distant far was Ellen's heart. 260 



XII. 

BALLAD. 
ALICE BRAXD. 

Merry it is in the good greenwood, 

When the mavis and merle are singing^ 

When the deer sweeps by, and the hounds are in cry. 
And the hunter's horn is ringing. 

" Alice Brand, my native land 265 

Is lost for love of you ; 
And we must hokl by wood and wold, 

As outlaws wont to do. 

" Alice, 't was all for thy locks so bright, 

And 't was all for thine eyes so blue, 270 

That on the night of our luckless flight 
Thy brother bold I slew. 

" Now must I teach to hew the beech 

The hand that held the glaive. 
For leaves to spread our lowly bed, 275 

And stakes to fence our cave. 

" And for vest of pall, thy fingers small, 

That wont on harp to stray, 
A cloak must shear from the slaughtered deer, 

To keep the cold away.'' 280 

" Kichard ! if my brother died, 
'T was but a fatal chance j 



94 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto IV. 

For darkling was the battle tried, 
And fortune sped the lance. 

" If pall and vair no more I wear, 285 

Nor thou the crimson sheen, 
As warm, we '11 say, is the russet gray, 

As gay the forest-green. 

" And, Kichard, if our lot be hard, 

And lost thy native land, 290 

Still Alice has her own Eichard, 

And he his Alice Brand." 

XIII. 
BALLAD CONTINUED. 

'T is merry, 't is merry, in good greenwood ; 

So blithe Lady Alice is singing ; 
On the beech's pride, and oak's brown side, 295 

Lord Eichard's axe is ringing. 

Up spoke the moody Elfin King, 

Who woned within the hill, — 
Like wind in the porch of a ruined church. 

His voice was ghostly shrill. 300 

" Why sounds yon stroke on beech and oak, 

Our moonlight circle's screen ? 
Or who comes here to chase the deer. 

Beloved of our Elfin Queen ? 
Or who may dare on wold to wear 305 

The fairies' fatal green ? 

" Up, Urgan, up ! to yon mortal hie, 
Eor thou wert christened man ; 



Canto IV.] THE PROPHECY. 95 

For cross or sign thou wilt not fly, 

For muttered word or ban. 310 

" Lay on him the curse of the withered heart, 

The curse of the sleepless eye ; 
Till he wish and pray that his life would part, 

Nor yet find leave to die." 



XIV. 
BALLAD CONTINUED. 

'T is merry, 't is merry, in good greenwood, 315 

Though the birds have stilled their singing ; 

The evening blaze doth Alice raise. 
And Richard is fagots bringing. 

Up Urgan starts, that hideous dwarf, 

Before Lord Eichard stands, 320 

And, as he crossed and blessed himself, 
" I fear not sign," quoth the grisly elf, 

"That is made with bloody hands." 

But out then spoke she, Alice Brand, 

That woman void of fear, — 325 

" And if there's blood upon his hand, 

'T is but the blood of deer." 

" Now loud thou liest, thou bold of mood ! 

It cleaves unto his hand. 
The stain of thine own kindly blood, 330 

The blood of Ethert Brand." 

Then forward stepped she, Alice Brand, 
And made the holy sign, — 



96 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto rv. 

"And if there's blood on Kichard's hand, 

A spotless hand is mine. 335 

"And I conjure thee, demon elf, 

By Him whom demons fear, 
To show us whence thou art thyself, 

And w^hat thine errand here ? " 



XV. 
BALLAD CONTINUED. 

" 'T is merry, 't is merry, in Fairy-land, 340 

When fairy birds are singing, 
When the court doth ride by their monarch's side. 

With bit and bridle ringing : 

"And gaily shines the Fairy-land — 

But all is glistening show, 345 

Like the idle gleam that December's beam 

Can dart on ice and snow. 

" And fading, like that varied gleam, 

Is our inconstant shape. 
Who now like knight and lady seem, 350 

And now like dwarf and ape. 

"It was between the night and day. 

When the Fairy King has power, 
That I sunk down in a sinful fray. 
And 'twixt life and death was snatched away 355 

To the joyless Elfin bower. 

" But wist I of a woman bold. 
Who thrice my brow durst sign, 



Canto IV.] THE PROPHECY, 97 

I might regain my mortal mould, 

As fair a form as thine." 3C0 

She crossed him once — she crossed him twice — 

That lady was so brave ; 
The fouler grew his goblin hue, 

The darker grew the cave. 

She crossed him thrice, that lady boldj 365 

He rose beneath her hand 
The fairest knight on Scottish mould. 

Her brother, Ethert Brand ! 

Merry it is in good greenwood. 

When the mavis and merle are singing, 370 

But merrier were they in Dunfermline gray. 

When all the bells were ringing. 



XVI. 

Just as the minstrel sounds were stayed, 

A stranger climbed the steepy glade ; 

His martial step, his stately mien, 376 

His hunting-suit of Lincoln green. 

His eagle glance, remembrance claims — 

'T is Snowdoun's Knight, 't is James Fitz-James. 

Ellen beheld as in a dream. 

Then, starting, scarce suppressed a scream : 380 

" stranger ! in such hour of fear 

What evil hap has brought thee here ? " 

" An evil hap how can it be 

That bids me look again on thee ? 

By promise bound, my former guide 385 

Met me betimes this morning-tide. 



98 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto IV. 

And marshalled over bank and bourne 

The happy path of my return." 

" The happy path ! — what ! said he naught 

Of war, of battle to be fought, 390 

Of guarded pass ? " " No, by my faith ! 

Nor saw I aught could augur scathe." 

" hasten, Allan, to the kern : 

Yonder his tartans I discern ; 

Learn thou his purpose, and conjure 395 

That he will guide the stranger sure ! — 

What prompted thee, unhappy man ? 

The meanest serf in Roderick's clan 

Had not been bribed, by love or fear, 

Unknown to him to guide thee here." 400 



XVII. 

" Sweet Ellen, dear my life must be, 

Since it is worthy care from thee ; 

Yet life I hold but idle breath 

When love or honor's weighed with death. 

Then let me profit by my chance, 405 

And speak my purpose bold at once. 

I come to bear thee from a wild 

Where ne'er before such blossom smiled, 

By this soft hand to lead thee far 

From frantic scenes of feud and war. 410 

Near Bochastle my horses wait ; 

They bear us soon to Stirling gate. 

I '11 place thee in a lovely bower, 

I '11 guard thee like a tender flower — " 

" hush, Sir Knight ! 't were female art, 415 

To say I do not read thy heart ; 



Canto IV.] THE PROPHECY. 99 

Too much, before, my selfish ear 

Was idly soothed my praise to hear. 

That fatal bait hath lured thee back, 

In deathf ul hour, o'er dangerous track ; 420 

And how, how, can I atone 

The wreck my vanity brought on ! — 

One way remains — I '11 tell him all — 

Yes! struggling bosom, forth it shall ! 

Thou, whose light folly bears the blame, 425 

Buy thine own pardon with thy shame ! 

But first — my father is a man 

Outlawed and exiled, under ban ; 

The price of blood is on his head. 

With me 't were infamy to wed, 430 

Still wouldst thou speak ? — then hear the truth ! 

Fitz- James, there is a noble youth — 

If yet he is ! — exposed for me 

And mine to dread extremity — 

Thou hast the secret of my heart ; 435 

Forgive, be generous, and depart ! " 

XVIII. ^ 

Fitz- James knew every wily train 
2f A lady's fickle heart to gain, 
% But here he knew and felt them vain. 
•^ There shot no glance from Ellen's eye, 440 

To give her steadfast speech the lie ; 

In maiden confidence she stood. 

Though mantled in her cheek the blood, 

And told her love with such a sigh 

Of deep and hopeless agony, 445 

As death had sealed her Malcolm's doom 

And she sat sorrowing on his tomb. 



100 THE LADY OF THE LAKE, [Canto IV. 

Hope vanished from Fitz-Jaines's eye, 

But not with hope fled sympathy. 

He proffered to attend her side, 450 

As brother would a sister guide. 

" little know'st thou Roderick's heart ! 

Safer for both we go apart. 

O haste thee, and from Allan learn 

If thou mayst trust yon wily kern." 455 

With hand upon his forehead laid, 

The conflict of his mind to shade, 

A parting step or two he made ; 

Then, as some thought had crossed his brain. 

He paused, and turned, and came again. 460 

XIX. 

" Hear, lady, yet a parting word ! — 

It chanced in fight that my poor sword 

Preserved the life of Scotland's lord. 

This ring the grateful Monarch gave. 

And bade, when I had boon to crave, 465 

To bring it back, and boldly claim 

The recompense that I would name. 

Ellen, I am no courtly lord. 

But one who lives by lance and sword. 

Whose castle is his helm and shield, 470 

His lordship the embattled field. 

What from a prince can I dem_and. 

Who neither reck of state nor land ? 

Ellen, thy hand — the ring is thine ; 

Each guard and usher knows the sign. 475 

Seek thou the King without delay ; 

This signet shall secure thy way : 

And claim thy suit, whate'er it be, 



Canto IV.] THE PROPHECY, 101 

As ransom of his pledge to me." 

He placed the golden circlet on, 480 

Paused — kissed her hand — and then was gone. 

The aged Minstrel stood aghast, 

So hastily Fitz-James shot past. 

He joined his guide, and wending down 

The ridges of the mountain brown, 485 

Across the stream they took their way 

That joins Loch Katrine to Achray. 

XX. 

All in the Trosachs' glen was still, 

Noontide was sleeping on the hill : 

Sudden his guide whooped loud and high — 490 

" Murdoch ! was that a signal cry ? " — 

He stammered forth, " I shout to scare 

Yon raven from his dainty fare." 

He looked — he knew the raven's prey. 

His own brave steed : '' Ah ! gallant gray ! 495 

For thee — for me, perchance — 't were well 

We ne'er had seen the Trosachs's dell. — 

Murdoch, move first — but silently ; 

Whistle or whoop, and thou shalt die I " 

Jealous and sullen on they fared, 500 

Each silent, each upon his guard. 

XXI. 

Now wound the path its dizzy ledge 

Around a precipice's edge, 

When lo ! a wasted female form. 

Blighted by wrath of sun and storm, 605 

In tattered weeds and wild array, 

Stood on a cliff beside the way, 



102 TEE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto IV. 

And glancing round her restless eye 

Upon the wood, the rock, the sky, 

Seemed naught to mark, yet all to spy. 510 

Her brow was wreathed with gaudy broom ; 

With gesture wild she waved a plume 

Of feathers, which the eagles fling 

To crag and cliff from dusky wing ; 

Such spoils her desperate step had sought, 515 

Where scarce was footing for the goat. 

The tartan plaid she first descried. 

And shrieked till all the rocks replied ; 

As loud she laughed when near they drew. 

For then the Lowland garb she knew ; 520 

And then her hands she wildly wrung. 

And then she wept, and then she sung — 

She sung! — the voice, in better time. 

Perchance to harp or lute might chime ; 

And now, though strained and roughened, still 525 

Rung wildly sweet to dale and hill. 



SONG. 

They bid me sleep, they bid me pray. 

They say my brain is warped and wrung — 

I cannot sleep on Highland brae, 

I cannot pray in Highland tongue. 530 

But were I now where Allan glides, 

Or heard my native Devan's tides. 

So sweetly would I rest, and pray 

That Heaven would close my wintry day ! 

'T was thus my hair they bade me braid, 535 

They made me to the church repair ; 



Canto IV.] THE PROPHECY. 103 

It was my bridal morn they said, 

And my true love would meet me there. 
But woe betide the cruel guile 

That drowned in blood the morning smile ! 540 

And woe betide the fairy dream ! 
I only waked to sob and scream. 

XXIII. 

"Who is this maid? what means her lay? 

She hovers o'er the hollow way, 

And flutters wide her mantle gray, 545 

As the lone heron spreads his wing, 

By twilight, o'er a haunted spring." 

" 'T is Blanche of Devan," Murdoch said, 

"A crazed and captive Lowland maid, 

Ta'en on the morn she was a bride, 550 

When Roderick forayed Devan-side. 

The gay bridegroom resistance made, 

And felt our Chief's unconquered blade. 

I marvel she is now at large. 

But oft she 'scapes from Maudlin's charge. — 555 

Hence, brain-sick fool!" — He raised his bow: — 

" Now, if thou strik'st her but one blow, 

I '11 pitch thee from the cliff as far 

As ever peasant pitched a bar ! " 

" Thanks, champion, thanks ! " the Maniac cried, 560 

And pressed her to Fitz-James's side. 

'' See the gray pennons I prepare. 

To seek my true love through the air ! 

I will not lend that savage groom. 

To break his fall, one downy plume ! 565 

No! — deep amid disjointed stones, 

The wolves shall batten on his bones, 



104 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto IV. 

And then shall his detested plaid, 

By bush and brier in mid-air stayed, 

Wave forth a banner fair and free, 570 

Meet signal for their revelry.'^ 



XXIV. 

"Hush thee, poor maiden, and be still!" 

" ! thou look'st kindly, and I will. 

Mine eye has dried and wasted been. 

But still it loves the Lincoln green ; 575 

And, though mine ear is all unstrung, 

Still, still it loves the Lowland tongue. 

" For 0, my sweet William was forester true, 

He stole poor Blanche's heart away ! 
His coat it was all of the greenwood hue, 580 

And so blithely he trilled the Lowland lay ! 

" It was not that I meant to tell . . . 

But thou art wise and guessest well." 

Then, in a low and broken tone, 

And hurried note, the song went on. 585 

Still on the Clansman fearfully 

She fixed her apprehensive eye. 

Then turned it on the Knight, and then 

Her look glanced wildly o'er the glen. 

XXV. 

" The toils are pitched, and the stakes are set, — 590 

Ever sing merrily, merrily ; 
The bows they bend, and the knives they whet. 

Hunters live so cheerily. 



Canto IV.] THE PROPHECY. 105 

" It was a stag, a stag of ten, 

Bearing its branches sturdily ; 595 

He came stately down the glen, — 

Ever sing hardily, hardily. 

" It was there he met with a wounded doe, 

She was bleeding deathfully ; 
She warned him of the toils below, 600 

0, so faithfully, faithfully ! 

" He had an eye, and he could heed, — 

Ever sing warily, warily; 
He had a foot, and he could speed, — 

Hunters watch so narrowly.'^ 605 

XXVI. 

Fitz-James's mind was passion-tossed. 

When Ellen's hints and fears were lost ; 

But Murdoch's shout suspicion wrought. 

And Blanche's song conviction brought. 

Not like a stag that spies the snare, 610 

But lion of the hunt aware. 

He waved at once his blade on high, 

" Disclose thy treachery, or die ! " 

Forth at full speed the Clansman flew, 

But in his race his bow he drew. 615 

The shaft just grazed Fitz- James's crest. 

And thrilled in Blanche's faded breast. — 

Murdoch of Alpine ! prove thy speed, 

For ne'er had Alpine's son such need ; 

With heart of fire, and foot of wind, 620 

The fierce avenger is behind ! 

Fate judges of the rapid strife — - 



106 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto IV. 

The forfeit death — the prize is life ; 

Thy kindred ambush lies before, 

Close couched upon the heathery moor ; 625 

Them couldst thou reach ! — it may not be — 

Thine ambushed kin thou ne'er shalt see, 

The fiery Saxon gains on thee ! — 

Eesistless speeds the deadly thrust, 

As lightning strikes the pine to dust ; 630 

With foot and hand Fitz-James must strain 

Ere he can win his blade again. 

Bent o'er the fallen with falcon eye. 

He grimly smiled to see him die. 

Then slower wended back his way, 635 

Where the poor maiden bleeding lay. 

XXVII. 

She sat beneath the birchen tree. 

Her elbow resting on her knee ; 

She had withdrawn the fatal shaft. 

And gazed on it, and feebly laughed ; 640 

Her wreath of broom and feathers gray. 

Daggled with blood, beside her lay. 

The Knight to stanch the life-stream tried, — 

" Stranger, it is in vain ! " she cried. 

" This hour of death has given me more 645 

Of reason's power than years before ; 

For, as these ebbing veins decay, 

My frenzied visions fade away. 

A helpless injured wretch I die, 

And something tells me in thine eye 650 

That thou wert mine avenger born. 

Seest thou this tress ? — 0, still I've worn 

This little tress of yellow hair, 



Canto IV.] THE PROPHECY. 107 

Through danger, frenzy, and despair ! 

It once was bright and clear as thine, 655 

But blood and tears have dimmed its shine. 

I will not tell thee when 't was shred, 

Nor from what guiltless victim's head, — 

My brain would turn ! — but it shall wave 

Like plumage on thy helmet brave, 660 

Till sun and wind shall bleach the stain, 

And thou wilt bring it me again. 

I waver still. — God ! more bright 

Let reason beam her parting light ! — 

O, by thy knighthood's honored sign, 6(55 

And for thy life preserved by mine, 

When thou shalt see a darksome man, 

Who boasts him Chief of Alpine's Clan, 

With tartans broad and shadowy plume. 

And hand of blood, and brow of gloonf, 670 

Be thy heart bold, thy weapon strong, 

And wreak poor Blanche of Devan's wrong ! — 

They watch for thee by pass and fell . . . 

Avoid the path ... God ! . . . farewell." 

XXYIII. 

A kindly heart had brave Fitz- James ; 675 

Fast poured his eyes at pity's claims ; 

And now, with mingled grief and ire. 

He saw the murdered maid expire. 

" God, in my need, be my relief, 

As I wreak this on yonder Chief ! " 680 

A lock from Blanche's tresses fair 

He blended with her bridegroom's hair ; 

The mingled braid in blood he dyed. 

And placed it on his bonnet-side : 



108 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto IV. 

" By Him whose word is truth, I swear, 685 

No other favor will I wear, 

Till this sad token I imbrue 

In the best blood of Koderick Dhu ! — 

But hark ! what means yon faint halloo ? 

The chase is up, — but they shall know, 690 

The stag at bay's a dangerous foe." 

Barred from the known but guarded way. 

Through copse and cliffs Fitz-James must stray. 

And oft must change his desperate track, 

By stream and precipice turned back. 695 

Heartless, fatigued, and faint, at length, 

From lack of food and loss of strength. 

He couched him in a thicket hoar. 

And thought his toils and perils o'er : — 

"Of all my rash adventures past, 700 

This f i%ntic feat must prove the last ! 

Who e'er so mad but might have guessed 

That all this Highland hornet's nest 

Would muster up in swarms so soon 

As e'er they heard of bands at Doune ? — 705 

Like bloodhounds now they search me out, — 

Hark, to the whistle and the shout ! — 

If farther through the wilds I go, 

I only fall upon the foe : 

I'll couch me here till evening gray, 710 

Then darkling try my dangerous way." 



The shades of eve come slowly down. 

The woods are wrapt in deeper brown, 

The owl awakens from her dell. 

The fox is heard upon the fell ; 716 



Canto IV.] THE PROPHECY. 109 

Enough remains of glimmering light 

To guide the wanderer's steps aright, 

Yet not enough from far to show 

His figure to the watchful foe. 

With cautious step and ear awake, 720 

He climbs the crag and threads the brake ; 

And not the summer solstice there 

Tempered the midnight mountain air. 

But every breeze that swept the wold 

Benumbed his drenched limbs with cold. 725 

In dread, in danger, and alone, 

Famished and chilled, through ways unknown. 

Tangled and steep, he journeyed on; 

Till, as a rock's huge point he turned, 

A watch-fire close before him burned. 730 

XXX. 

Beside its embers red and clear. 

Basked in his plaid a mountaineer ; 

And up he sprung with sword in hand, — 

" Thy name and purpose ! Saxon, stand ! " 

"A stranger." " What dost thou require ? " 735 

" Rest and a guide, and food and fire. 

My life's beset, my path is lost. 

The gale has chilled my limbs with frost." 

'' Art thou a friend to Roderick ? " "No." 

'' Thou dar'st not call thyself a foe ? " 740 

'• I dare ! to him and all the band 

He brings to aid his murderous hand." 

" Bold words ! — but, though the beast of game 

The privilege of chase may claim. 

Though space and law the stag we lend, 745 

Ere hound we slip or bow we bend, 



110 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto IV. 

Who ever recked, where, how, or when. 

The prowling fox was trapped or slain ? 

Thus treacherous scouts, — yet sure they lie, 

Who say thou cam'st a secret spy ! " — 750 

" They do, by heaven ! — come Roderick Dhu, 

And of his clan the boldest two. 

And let me but till morning rest, 

I write the falsehood on their crest." 

" If by the blaze I mark aright, 755 

Thou bear'st the belt and spur of Knight." 

"Then by these tokens mayst thou know 

Each proud oppressor's mortal foe." 

" Enough, enough ; sit down and share 

A soldier's couch, a soldier's fare." 760 



XXXI. 

He gave him of his Highland cheer. 

The hardened flesh of mountain deer ; 

Dry fuel on the fire he laid. 

And bade the Saxon share his plaid. 

He tended him like welcome guest, 765 

Then thus his further speech addressed : — 

" Stranger, I am to Eoderick Dhu 

A clansman born, a kinsman true; 

Each word against his honor spoke 

Demands of me avenging stroke ; 770 

Yet more, — upon thy fate, 'tis said, 

A mighty augury is laid. 

It rests with me to wind my horn, — 

Thou art with numbers overborne ; 

It rests with me, here, brand to brand, 775 

Worn as thou art, to bid thee stand : 



Canto IV.] THE PROPHECY. Ill 

But, not for clan, nor kindred's cause, 

Will I depart from honor's laws ; 

To assail a wearied man were shame, 

And stranger is a holy name ; 780 

Guidance and rest, and food and fire. 

In vain he never must require. 

Then rest thee here till dawn of day ; 

Myself will guide thee on the way, 

O'er stock and stone, through watch and ward, 785 

Till past Clan- Alpine's outmost guard, 

As far as Coilantogle's ford ; 

From thence thy warrant is thy sword." 

" I take thy courtesy, by heaven. 

As freely as 't is nobly given ! " 790 

" Well, rest thee ; for the bittern's cry 

Sings us the lake's wild lullaby." 

With that he shook the gathered hea^h, 

And spread his plaid upon the wreath ; 

And the brave foemen, side by side, 795 

Lay peaceful down like brothers tried. 

And slept until the dawning beam 

Purpled the mountain and the stream. 



CANTO FIFTH. 

THE COMBAT. 
I. 

Fair as the earliest beam of eastern light, 
When first, by the bewildered pilgrim spied, 

It smiles upon the dreary brow of night. 
And silvers o'er the torrent's foaming tide. 
And lights the fearful path on mountain-side, — 5 

Fair as that beam, although the fairest far. 
Giving to horror grace, to danger pride, 

Shine martial Faith, and Courtesy's bright star. 

Through all the wreckful storms that cloud the brow of War. 

II. 

That early beam, so fair and sheen, 10 

Was twinkling through the hazel screen, 
When, rousing at its glimmer red, 
The warriors left their lowly bed, 
Looked out upon the dappled sky, 
Muttered their soldier matins by, 15 

And then awaked their fire, to steal, 
As short and rude, their soldier meal. 
That o'er, the Gael around him threw 
His graceful plaid of varied hue. 
And, true to promise, led the way, 20 

By thicket green and mountain gray. 
A wildering path ! — they winded now 
Along the precipice's brow. 
Commanding the rich scenes beneath, 
112 



Canto v.] THE COMBAT. 113 

The windings of the Forth and Teith, 25 

And all the vales between that lie, 

Till Stirling's turrets melt in sky; 

Then, sunk in copse, their farthest glance 

Gained not the length of horseman's lance. 

'T was oft so steep, the foot was fain 30 

Assistance from the hand to gain ; 

So tangled oft that, bursting through. 

Each- hawthorn shed her showers of dew, — 

That diamond dew, so pure and clear, 

It rivals all but Beauty's tear ! 35 



At length they came where, stern and steep, 

The hill sinks down upon the deep. 

Here Vennachar in silver flows. 

There, ridge on ridge, Benledi rose ; 

Ever the hollow path twined on, 40 

Beneath steep bank and threatening stone ; 

A hundred men might hold the post 

With hardihood against a host. 

The rugged mountain's scanty cloak 

Was dwarfish shrubs of birch and oak, 45 

With shingles bare, and cliffs between, 

And patches bright of bracken green. 

And heather black, that waved so high, 

It held the copse in rivalry. 

But, where the lake slept deep and still, 50 

Dank osiers fringed the swamp and hill ; 

And oft both path and hill were torn. 

Where wintry torrent down had borne. 

And heaped upon the cumbered land 

Its wreck of gravel, rocks, and sand. 55 



114 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto V. 

So toilsome was the road to trace, 

The guide, abating of his pace, 

Led slowly through the jDass's jaws, 

And asked Fitz-James by what strange cause 

He sought these wilds, traversed by few, 60 

Without a pass from Eoderick Dhu. 



IV. 

"Brave Gael, my pass, in danger tried, 

Hangs in my belt and by my side ; 

Yet, sooth to tell," the Saxon said, 

" I dreamt not now to claim its aid. 65 

When here, but three days since, I came, 

Bewildered in pursuit of game. 

All seemed as peaceful and as still 

As the mist slumbering on yon hill ; 

Thy dangerous Chief was then afar, 70 

Nor soon expected back from war. 

Thus said, at least, my mountain-guide, 

Though deep perchance the villain lied." 

" Yet why a second venture try ? " 

" A warrior thou, and ask me why ! — 75 

Moves our free course by such fixed cause. 

As gives the poor mechanic laws ? 

Enough, I sought to drive away 

The lazy hours of peaceful day ; 

Slight cause will then suffice to guide 80 

A Knight's free footsteps far and wide, — 

A falcon flown, a greyhound strayed. 

The merry glance of mountain maid ; 

Or, if a path be dangerous known, 

The danger's self is lure alone." 85 



Canto v.] TUE COMBAT. 115 

V. 

" Thy secret keep, I urge thee not ; — 

Yet, ere again ye sought this spot, 

Say, heard ye naught of Lowland war, 

Against Clan-Alpine, raised by Mar ? " 

" No, by my word ; — of bands prepared 90 

To guard King James's sports I heard ; 

Nor doubt I aught, but, when they hear 

This muster of the mountaineer, 

Their pennons will abroad be flung, 

AVhich else in Doune had peaceful hung." 95 

" Free be they flung ! for we were loath 

Their silken folds should feast the moth. 

Free be they flung ! — as free shall wave 

Clan- Alpine's pine in banner brave. 

But, stranger, peaceful since you came, lOO 

Bewildered in the mountain-game. 

Whence the bold boast by which you show 

Vich- Alpine's vowed and mortal foe ? " 

" Warrior, but y ester-morn I knew 

Naught of thy Chieftain, Roderick Dhu, 105 

Save as an outlawed desperate man. 

The chief of a rebellious clan. 

Who, in the Regent's court and sight, 

With rufiian dagger stabbed a knight ; 

Yet this alone might from his part 110 

Sever each true and loyal heart." 



VI. 



Wrathful at such arraignment foul. 
Dark lowered the clansman's sable scowl. 



116 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto V. 

A space he paused, then sternly said, 

" And heardst thou why he drew his blade ? 115 

Heardst thou that shameful word and blow 

Brought Roderick's vengeance on his foe ? 

What recked the Chieftain if he stood 

On Highland heath or Holy-Rood ? 

He rights such wrong where it is given, 120 

If it were in the court of heaven." 

" Still was it outrage ; — yet, 't is true, 

Not then claimed sovereignty his due ; 

While Albany with feeble hand 

Held borrowed truncheon of command, 125 

The young King, mewed in Stirling tower, 

Was stranger to respect and power. 

But then, thy Chieftain's robber life ! — 

Winning mean prey by causeless strife, 

Wrenching from ruined Lowland swain 130 

His herds and harvest reared in vain, — 

Methinks a soul like thine should scorn 

The spoils from such foul foray borne ! " 

VII. 

The Gael beheld him grim the while, 

And answered with disdainful smile : 135 

" Saxon, from yonder mountain high, 

I marked thee send delighted eye 

Far to the south and east, where lay. 

Extended in succession gay, 

Deep waving fields and pastures green, 140 

With gentle slopes and groves between : — 

These fertile plains, that softened vale. 

Were once the birthright of the Gael ; 

The stranger came with iron hand, 



Canto v.] THE COMBAT. 117 

And from our fathers reft the land. 145 

Where dwell we now ? See, rudely swell 

Crag over crag, and fell o'er fell. 

Ask we this savage hill we tread 

For fattened steer or household bread, 

Ask we for flocks these shingles dry, 150 

And well the mountain might reply — 

^ To you, as to your sires of yore, 

Belong the target and claymore ! 

I give you shelter in my breast. 

Your own good blades must win the rest.' 155 

Pent in this fortress of the North, 

Think'st thou we will not sally forth. 

To spoil the spoiler as we may. 

And from the robber rend the prey ? 

Ay, by my soul ! — While on yon plain 160 

The Saxon rears one shock of grain, 

Wliile of ten thousand herds there strays 

But one along yon river's maze, — 

The Gael, of plain and river heir, 

Shall with strong hand redeem his share. 165 

Where live the mountain Chiefs who hold 

That plundering Lowland field and fold 

Is aught but retribution true ? 

Seek other cause 'gainst Roderick Dhu." 

VIII. 

Answered Fitz-James: "And, if I sought, 170 

Think'st thou no other could be brought ? 

What deem ye of my path waylaid ? 

My life given o'er to ambuscade ? " 

" As of a meed to rashness due : 

Hadst thou sent warning fair and true, — 175 



lis THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto V. 

I seek my hound or falcon straj'ed, 

I seek, good faith, a Highland maid, — 

Free hadst thou been to come and go ; 

But secret path marks secret foe. 

Nor yet for this, even as a spy, 180 

Hadst thou, unheard, been doomed to die, 

Save to fulfil an augury." 

" Well, let it pass ; nor will I now 

Fresh cause of enmity avow. 

To chafe thy mood and cloud thy brow. 185 

Enough, I am by promise tied 

To match me with this man of pride : 

Twice have I sought Clan-Alpine's glen 

In peace ; but, when I come again, 

I come Avith banner, brand, and bow, 190 

As leader seeks his mortal foe. 

For love-lorn swain in lady's bower 

Ne'er panted for the appointed hour. 

As I, until before me stand 

This rebel Chieftain and his band ! " 195 

IX. 

*' Have then thy wish ! " — He whistled shrill, 

And he was answered from the hill ; 

Wild as the scream of the curlew. 

From crag to crag the signal flew. 

Instant, through copse and heath, arose 200 

Bonnets and spears and bended bows ; 

On right, on left, above, below. 

Sprung up at once the lurking foe ; 

From shingles gray their lances start. 

The bracken bush sends forth the dart, 205 

The rushes and the willow-wand 



Canto v.] THE COMBAT. 119 

Are bristling into axe and band, 

And every tuft of broom gives life 

To plaided warrior armed for strife. 

That whistle garrisoned the glen 210 

At once with full five hundred men, 

As if the yawning hill to heaven 

A subterranean host had given. 

Watching their leader's beck and wdll, 

All silent there they stood and still. 215 

Like the loose crags whose threatening mass 

Lay tottering o'er the hollow^ pass, 

As if an infant's touch could urge 

Their headlong passage down the verge, 

With step and weapon forw^ard flung, 220 

Upon the mountain-side they hung. 

The Mountaineer cast glance of pride 

Along Benledi's living side, 

Then fixed his eye and sable brow 

Full on Fitz-James : " How say'st thou now ? 225 

These are Clan-Alpine's w^arriors true ; 

And, Saxon, — I am Eoderick Dhu ! " 



Fitz-James was brave : — though to his heart 

The life-blood thrilled with sudden start. 

He manned himself with dauntless air, 230 

Returned the Chief his haughty stare. 

His back against a rock he bore, 

And firmly placed his foot before : — 

" Come one, come all ! this rock shall fly 

From its firm base as soon as I." 235 

Sir Roderick marked, — and in his eyes 

Respect was mingled with surprise, 



120 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto V. 

And the stern joy which warriors feel 

In foeman worthy of their steel. 

Short space he stood — then waved his hand : 240 

Down sunk the disappearing band ; 

Each warrior vanished where he stood. 

In broom or bracken, heath or wood ; 

Sunk brand and spear and bended bow, 

In osiers pale and copses low ; 245 

It seemed as if their mother Earth 

Had swallowed up her warlike birth. 

The wind's last breath had tossed in air 

Pennon and plaid and plumage fair, — 

The next but swept a lone hill-side, 250 

Where heath and fern were waving wide : 

The sun's last glance was glinted back 

From spear and glaive, from targe and jack, — 

The next, all unreflected, shone 

On bracken green and cold gray stone. 255 

XI. 

Eitz- James looked round, — yet scarce believed 

The witness that his sight received ; 

Such apparition well might seem 

Delusion of a dreadful dream. 

Sir Roderick in suspense he eyed, 260 

And to his look the Chief replied : 

"Eear naught — nay, that I need not say — 

But — doubt not aught from mine array. 

Thou art my guest ; — I pledged my word 

As far as Coilantogle ford : 265 

Nor would I call a clansman's brand 

Eor aid against one valiant hand. 

Though on our strife lay every vale 



Canto v.] THE COMBAT. 121 

Rent by the Saxon from the Gael. 

So move we on ; — I only meant 270 

To show the reed on which you leant, 

Deeming this path you might pursue 

"Without a pass from Eoderick Dhu." 

They moved ; — I said Fitz- James was brave 

As ever knight that belted glaive, 275 

Yet dare not say that now his blood 

Kept on its wont and tempered flood. 

As, following Roderick's stride, he drew 

That seeming lonesome pathway through, 

Which yet by fearful proof was rife 280 

With lances, that, to take his life. 

Waited but signal from a guide. 

So late dishonored and defied. 

Ever, by stealth, his eye sought round 

The vanished guardians of the ground, 285 

And still from copse and heather deep 

Fancy saw spear and broadsword peep, 

And in the plover's shrilly strain 

The signal whistle heard again. 

Nor breathed he free till far behind 290 

The pass was left ; for then they wind 

Along a wdde and level green. 

Where neither tree nor tuft was seen. 

Nor rush nor bush of broom was near. 

To hide a bonnet or a spear. 295 

XII. 

The Chief in silence strode before. 
And reached that torrent's sounding shore. 
Which, daughter of three mighty lakes 
From Yennachar in silver breaks, 



122 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto V. 

Sweeps through the plain, and ceaseless mines 300 

On Bochastle the mouldering lines, 

Where Kome, the Empress of the world, 

Of yore her eagle wings unfurled. 

And here his course the Chieftain stayed. 

Threw down his target and his plaid, 305 

And to the Lowland warrior said : 

"Bold Saxon! to his promise just, 

Vich-Alpine has discharged his trust. 

This murderous Chief, this ruthless man, 

This head of a rebellious clan, 310 

Hath led thee safe, through watch and ward, 

Far past Clan-Alpine's outmost guard. 

Now, man to man, and steel to steel, 

A Chieftain's vengeance thou shall feel. 

See, here all vantageless I stand, 315 

Armed like thyself with single brand ; 

For this is Coilantogle ford. 

And thou must keep thee with thy sword." 

XIII. 

The Saxon paused : " I ne'er delayed. 

When f oeman bade me draw my blade ; 320 

Nay more, brave Chief, I vowed thy death ; 

Yet sure thy fair and generous faith. 

And my deep debt for life preserved, 

A better meed have well deserved : 

Can naught but blood our feud atone ? 325 

Are there no means ? " — " No, stranger, none ! 

And hear, — to fire thy flagging zeal, — 

The Saxon cause rests on thy steel ; 

For thus spoke Fate by prophet bred 

Between the living and the dead : 330 



Canto v.] THE COMBAT. 123 

*Wlio spills the foremost foeman^s life, 

His party conquers in the strife.' " 

" Then, by my word/' the Saxon said, 

"The riddle is already read. 

Seek yonder brake beneath the cliff, — 335 

There lies Red Murdoch, stark and stiff. 

Thus Fate had solved her prophecy ; 

Then yield to Fate, and not to me. 

To James at Stirling let us go. 

When, if thou wilt be still his foe, 340 

Or if the King shall not agree 

To grant thee grace and favor free, 

I plight mine honor, oath and word 

That, to thy native strengths restored. 

With each advantage shalt thou stand 345 

That aids thee now to guard thy land." 

XIV. 

Dark lightning flashed from Roderick's eye : 

" Soars thy presumption, then, so high. 

Because a wretched kern ye slew. 

Homage to name to Roderick Dhu? 350 

He yields not, he, to* man nor Fate ! 

Thou add'st but fuel to my hate ; — 

My clansman's blood demands revenge. 

Not yet prepared ? — By heaven, I change 

My thought, and hold thy valor light 355 

As that of some vain carpet knight, 

Who ill deserved my courteous care. 

And whose best boast is but to wear 

A braid of his fair lady's hair." 

" I thank thee, Roderick, for the word ! 360 

It nerves my heart, it steels my sword; 



124 THE LADY OF TEE LAKE. [Canto V. 

For I have sworn this braid to stain 

In the best blood that warms thy vein. 

Now, truce, farewell ! and, ruth, begone ! — 

Yet think not that by thee alone, 365 

Proud Chief ! can courtesy be shown ; 

Though not from copse, or heath, or cairn, 

Start at my whistle clansmen stern. 

Of this small horn one feeble blast 

Would fearful odds against thee cast. 370 

But fear not — doubt not — which thou wilt — 

We try this quarrel hilt to hilt." 

Then each at once his falchion drew, 

Each on the ground his scabbard threw. 

Each looked to sun and stream and plain 375 

As what they ne'er might see again ; 

Then foot and point and eye opposed. 

In dubious strife they darkly closed. 

XV. 

Ill fared it then with Roderick Dhu, 

That on the field his targe he threw, 380 

Whose brazen studs and tough bull-hide 

Had death so often dashed aside ; 

For, trained abroad his arms to wield, 

Fitz-James's blade was sword and shield. 

He practised every pass and ward, 385 

To thrust, to strike, to feint, to guard ; 

While less expert, though stronger far. 

The Gael maintained unequal war. 

Three times in closing strife they stood. 

And thrice the Saxon blade drank blood ; 390 

No stinted draught, no scanty tide, 

The gushing flood the tartans dyed. 



Canto v.] THE COMBAT. 125 

Fierce Roderick felt the fatal drain, 

And showered his blows like wintry rain ; 

And, as firm rock or castle-roof 395 

Against the winter shower is proof. 

The foe, invulnerable s^ill. 

Foiled his wild rage by steady skill ; 

Till, at advantage ta'en, his brand 

Forced Roderick's weapon from his hand, 400 

And backward borne upon the lea. 

Brought the proud Chieftain to his knee. 

XVI. 

" Now yield thee, or by Him who made 

The world, thy heart's blood dyes my blade ! " 

" Thy threats, thy mercy, I defy ! 405 

Let recreant yield, who fears to die." 

Like adder darting from his coil. 

Like wolf that dashes through the toil. 

Like mountain-cat who guards her young, 

Full at Fitz-James's throat he sprung ; 410 

Received, but recked not of a wound. 

And locked his arms his foeman round. — 

Now, gallant Saxon, hold thine own! 

No maiden's hand is round thee thrown ! 

That desperate grasp thy frame might feel 415 

Through bars of brass and triple steel ! 

They tug, they strain ! down, down they go, 

The Gael above, Fitz-James below. 

The Chieftain's gripe his throat compressed, 

His knee was planted on his breast ; 420 

His clotted locks he backward threw, 

Across his brow his hand he drew, 

From blood and mist to clear his sight, 



126 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto V. 

Then gleamed aloft his dagger bright ! 

But hate and fury ill supplied 425 

The stream of life's exhausted tide, 

And all too late the advantage came, 

To turn the odds of deadly game : 

For, while the dagger gleamed on high, 

Reeled soul and sense, reeled brain and eye. 430 

Down came the blow ! but in the heath 

The erring blade found bloodless sheath. 

The struggling foe may now unclasp 

The fainting Chiefs relaxing grasp ; 

Unwounded from the dreadful close, 435 

But breathless all, Fitz-James arose. 



XYII. 

He faltered thanks to heaven for life, 

Eedeemed, unhoped, from desperate strife; 

Next on his foe his look he cast, • 

Whose every gasp appeared his last ; 440 

In Roderick's gore he dipped the braid, — 

" Poor Blanche ! thy wrongs are dearly paid ; 

Yet with thy foe must die, or live. 

The praise that faith and valor give.'' 

With that he blew a bugle note, 445 

Undid the collar from his throat, 

Unbonneted, and by the wave 

Sat down his brow and hands to lave. 

Then faint afar are heard the feet 

Of rushing steeds in gallop fleet ; 450 

The sounds increase, and now are seen 

Four mounted squires in Lincoln green ; 

Two who bear lance, and two who lead 



Canto v.] THE COMBAT. 127 

By loosened rein a saddled steed ; 

Each onward held his headlong course, 455 

And by Fitz-James reined up his horse, — 

With wonder viewed the bloody spot, — 

" Exclaim not, gallants ! question not. — 

You, Herbert and Luffness, alight. 

And bind the wounds of yonder knight ; 460 

Let the gray palfrey bear his weight. 

We destined for a fairer freight, 

And bring him on to Stirling straight ; 

I will before at better speed. 

To seek fresh horse and fitting weed. 465 

The sun rides high ; — I must be boune 

To see the archer-game at noon ; 

But lightly Bayard clears the lea. — 

De Vaux and Herries, follow me. 



XVIII. 

" Stand, Bayard, stand ! " — the steed obeyed, 470 

With arching neck and bended head. 

And glancing eye and quivering ear, 

As if he loved his lord to hear. 

No foot Eitz-James in stirrup stayed. 

No grasp upon the saddle laid, 475 

But wreathed his left hand in the mane. 

And lightly bounded from the plain. 

Turned on the horse his armed heel. 

And stirred his courage with the steel. 

Bounded the fiery steed in air, 480 

The rider sat erect and fair, 

Then, like a bolt from steel crossbow 

Forth launched, along the plain they go. 



128 TEE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto V. 

They dashed that rapid torrent through, 

And up Carhonie's hill they flew ; 485 

Still at the gallop pricked the Knight, 

His merry men followed as they might. 

Along thy banks, swift Teith ! they ride. 

And in the race they mock thy tide ; 

Torry and Lendrick now are past, 490 

And Deanstown lies behind them cast ; 

They rise, the bannered towers of Doune, 

They sink in distant woodland soon ; 

Blair-Drummond sees the hoofs strike fire. 

They sweep like breeze through Ochtertyre ; 495 

They mark just glance and disappear 

The lofty brow of ancient Kier ; 

They bathe their coursers' sweltering sides, 

Dark Forth ! amid thy sluggish tides. 

And on the opposing shore take ground, 500 

With plash, with scramble, and with bound. 

Eight-hand they leave thy cliffs, Craig-Forth ! 

And soon the bulwark of the North, 

Gray Stirling, with her towers and town. 

Upon their fleet career looked down. 505 

XIX. 

As up the flinty path they strained, 

Sudden his steed the leader reined ; 

A signal to his squire he flung, 

Who instant to his stirrup sprung : — 

" Seest thou, De Vaux, yon woodsman gray, 510 

Who town ward holds the rocky way. 

Of stature tall and poor array ? 

Mark'st thou the firm, yet active stride. 

With which he scales the mountain side ? 



Canto v.] THE COMBAT. 129 

Know'st thou from whence he comes, or whom?" 515 

" No, by my word ; — a burly groom 

He seems, who in the field or chase 

A baron's train would nobly grace — " 

" Out, out, De Yaux ! can fear sup^jly, 

And jealousy, no sharper eye ? 520 

Afar, ere to the hill he drew, 

That stately form and step I knew ; 

Like form in Scotland is not seen. 

Treads not such step on Scottish green. 

'T is James of Douglas, by Saint Serle ! 525 

The uncle of the banished Earl. 

Away, away, to court to show 

The near approach of dreaded foe : 

The King must stand upon his guard ; 

Douglas and he must meet prepared." 530 

Then right-hand wheeled their steeds, and straight 

They won the Castle's postern gate. 

XX. 

The Douglas, who had bent his way 

From Cambus-kenneth's abbey gray, 

Now, as he climbed the rocky shelf, 535 

Held sad communion with himself : — 

" Yes ! all is true my fears could frame ; 

A prisoner lies the noble Graeme, 

And fiery Eoderick soon will feel 

The vengeance of the royal steel. 540 

I, only I, can ward their fate, — 

God grant the ransom come not late ! 

The Abbess hath her promise given. 

My child shall be the bride of Heaven; — 

Be pardoned one repining tear ! 545 



130 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto V. 

For He who gave her knows how dear, 

How excellent ! — but that is by, 

And now my business is — to die. — 

Ye towers ! within whose circuit dread 

A Douglas by his sovereign bled ; 550 

And thou, sad and fatal mound ! 

That oft hast heard the death-axe aound, 

As on the noblest of the land 

Fell the stern headsman's bloody hand, — 

The dungeon, block, and nameless tomb 555 

Prepare — for Douglas seeks his doom ! 

But hark ! what blithe and jolly peal 

Makes the Franciscan steeple reel ? 

And see ! upon the crowded street. 

In motley groups what masquers meet ! 560 

Banner and pageant, pipe and drum. 

And merry morrice-dancers come. 

I guess, by all this quaint array. 

The burghers hold their sports to-day. 

James will be there ; he loves such show, 565 

Where the good yeoman bends his bow, 

And the tough wrestler foils his foe. 

As well as where, in proud career, 

The high-born tilter shivers spear. 

I '11 follow to the Castle-park, 670 

And play my prize ; — King James shall mark 

If age has tamed these sinews stark, 

Whose force so oft in happier days 

His boyish wonder loved to praise." 

XXI. 

The Castle gates were open flung, 575 

The quivering drawbridge rocked and rung, 



Canto v.] THE COMBAT. 131 

And echoed loud the flinty street 

Beneath the coursers' clattering feet, 

As slowly down the steep descent 

Fair Scotland's King and nobles went, 580 

While all along the crowded way 

Was jubilee and loud huzza. 

And ever James was bending low 

To his white jennet's saddle-bow, 

Doffing his cap to city dame, 585 

Who smiled and blushed for pride and shame. 

And well the simperer might be vain, — 

He chose the fairest of the train. 

Gravely he greets each city sire, 

Commends each pageant's quaint attire, 590 

Gives to the dancers thanks aloud. 

And smiles and nods upon the crowd, 

Who rend the heavens with their acclaims, — 

" Long live the Commons' King, King James ! " 

Behind the King thronged peer and knight, 595 

And noble dame and damsel bright, 

Whose fiery steeds ill brooked the stay 

Of the steep street and crowded way. 

But in the train you might discern 

Dark lowering brow and visage stern ; 600 

There nobles mourned their pride restrained. 

And the mean burgher's joys disdained ; 

And chiefs, who, hostage for their clan, 

Were each from home a banished man. 

There thought upon their own gray tower, 605 

Their waving woods, their feudal power. 

And deemed themselves a shameful part 

Of pageant which they cursed in heart. 



132 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto V. 

XXII. 

Now, in the Castle-park, drew out 
Their checkered bands the joyous rout. 610 

There morricers, with bell at heel 
And blade in hand, their mazes Avheel ; 
But chief, beside the butts, there stand 
Bold Kobin Hood and all his band, — 
Friar Tuck with quarter staff and cowl, 615 

Old Scathelocke with his surly scowl, 
Maid Marian, fair as ivory bone, 
Scarlet, and Mutch, and Little John; 
Their bugles challenge all that will, 
In archery to prove their skill. 620 

The Douglas bent a bow of might, 
His first shaft centred in the white, 
And when in turn he shot again. 
His second split the first in twain. 
From the King's hand must Douglas take 625 

A silver dart, the archer's stake ; 
Fondly he watched, with watery eye, 
Some answering glance of sympathy, — 
: No kind emotion made reply ! 

Indifferent as to archer wight, 630 

The monarch gave the arrow bright. 

XXIII. 

Now, clear the ring ! for, hand to hand. 

The manly wrestlers take their stand. 

Two o'er the rest superior rose. 

And proud demanded mightier foes, — 635 

Nor called in vain, for Douglas came. — 

For life is Hugh of Larbert lamej 



Canto v.] THE COMBAT, 133 

Scarce better John, of Alloa's fare, 

Whom senseless home his comrades bare. 

Prize of the wrestling match, the King 640 

To Douglas gave a golden ring, 

While coldly glanced his eye of blue, 

As frozen drop of wintry dew. 

Douglas would speak, but in his breast 

His struggling soul his words suppressed ; 645 

Indignant then he turned him where 

Their arms the brawny yeomen bare, 

To hurl the massive bar in air. 

When each his utmost strength had shown. 

The Douglas rent an earth-fast stone 650 

From its deep bed, then heaved it high. 

And sent the fragment through the sky 

A rood beyond the farthest mark ; 

And still in Stirling's royal park. 

The gray-haired sires, who know the past, 655 

To strangers point the Douglas cast. 

And moralize on the decay 

Of Scottish strength in modern day. 

XXIV. 

The vale with loud applauses rang. 

The Ladies' Kock sent back the clang. . 660 

The King, with look unmoved, bestowed 

A purse well filled with pieces broad. 

Indignant smiled the Douglas proud, 

And threw the gold among the crowd, 

AVho now with anxious wonder scan, 665 

And sharper glance, the dark gray man ; 

Till whispers rose among the throng, 



134 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto V. 

That heart so free, and hand so strong, 

Must to the Douglas blood belong. 

The old men marked and shook the head, 670 

To see his hair with silver spread. 

And winked aside, and told each son 

Of feats upon the English done. 

Ere Douglas of the stalwart hand 

Was exiled from his native land. 675 

The women praised his stately form. 

Though wrecked by many a winter's storm ; 

The youth with awe and wonder saw 

His strength surpassing Nature's law. 

Thus judged, as is their wont, the crowd, 680 

Till murmurs rose to clamors loud. 

But not a glance from that proud ring 

Of peers who circled round the King 

With Douglas held communion kind, 

Or called the banished man to mind ; 685 

No, not from those who at the chase 

Once held his side the honored place, 

Begirt his board, and in the field 

Found safety underneath his shield ; 

For he whom royal eyes disown, 690 

When was his form to courtiers known ! 

XXV. 

The Monarch saw the gambols flag. 

And bade let loose a gallant stag. 

Whose pride, the holiday to crown. 

Two favorite greyhounds should pull down. 695 

That venison free and Bourdeaux wine 

Might serve the archery to dine. 

But Lufra, — whom from Douglas's side 



Canto v.] THE COMBAT. 135 

Nor bribe nor threat could e'er divide, 
The fleetest hound in all the North, — 700 

Brave Lufra saw, and darted forth. 
She left the royal hounds midway, 
And dashing on the antlered prey, 
Sunk her sharp muzzle in his flank, 
And deep the flowing life-blood drank. 705 

The King's stout huntsman saw the sport 
By strange intruder broken short, 
Came up, and with his leash unbound. 
In anger struck the noble hound. 
The Douglas had endured, that morn, 710 

The King's cold look, the nobles' scorn. 
And last, and worst to spirit proud. 
Had borne the x>ity of the crowd ; 
But Lufra had been fondly bred. 
To share his board, to watch his bed, 715 

And oft would Ellen Lufra's neck 
, In maiden glee with garlands deck ; 

They were such playmates that with name 

Of Lufra Ellen's image came. 

His stifled wrath is brimming high, 720 

In darkened brow and flashing eye ; 

As waves before the bark divide. 

The crowd gave way before his stride ; 

Needs but a buffet and no more. 

The groom lies senseless in his gore. 725 

Such blow no other hand could deal. 

Though gauntleted in glove of steel. 

XXVI. 

Then clamored loud the royal train. 
And brandished swords and staves amain. 



136 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto V. 

But stern the Baron's warning : " Back ! ' 730 

Back, on your lives, ye menial pack ! 

Beware the Douglas. — Yes ! behold, 

King James ! The Douglas, doomed of old, 

And vainly sought for near and far, 

A victim to atone the war, 735 

A willing victim, now attends, 

Nor craves thy grace but for his friends. '' — 

" Thus is my clemency repaid ? 

Presumptuous Lord ! " the Monarch said : 

" Of thy misproud ambitious clan, 740 

Thou, James of Bothwell, wert the man, 

The only man, in whom a foe 

My woman-mercy would not know ; 

But shall a Monarch's presence brook 

Injurious blow and haughty look ? — 745 

What ho ! the Captain of our Guard ! 

Give the offender fitting ward. — 

Break off the sports ! " — for tumult rose, 

And yeomen 'gan to bend their bows, — 

" Break off the sports ! " he said and frowned, 750 

" And bid our horsemen clear the ground." 

XXVII. 

Then uproar wild and misarray 

Marred the fair form of festal day. 

The horsemen pricked among the crowd, 

Kepelled by threats and insult loud ; 755 

To earth are borne the old and weak. 

The timorous fly, the women shriek ; 

With flint, with shaft, with staff, with bar. 

The hardier urge tumultuous war. 

At once round Douglas darkly sweep 760 



Canto v.] THE COMBAT. 137 

The royal spears in circle deep, 

And slowly scale the pathway steep, 

While on the rear in thunder pour 

The rabble with disordered roar. 

With grief the noble Douglas saw 765 

The Commons rise against the law, 

And to the leading soldier said : 

" Sir John of Hyndford, 't Avas my blade 

That knighthood on thy shoulder laid ; 

Tor that good deed permit me then 770 

A word with these misguided men. — 

XXVIII. 

" Hear, gentle friends, ere yet for me 

Ye break the bands of fealty. 

My life, my honor, and my cause, 

I tender free to Scotland's laws. 775 

Are these so weak as must require 

The aid of your misguided ire ? 

Or, if I suffer causeless wrong. 

Is then my selfish rage so strong. 

My sense of public weal so low, 780 

That, for mean vengeance on a foe, 

Those cords of love I should unbind 

Which knit my country and my kind ? 

O no ! Believe, in yonder tower 

It will not soothe my captive hour, 785 

To know those spears our foe should dread 

For me in kindred gore are red : 

To knoAv, in fruitless brawl begun, 

For me that mother wails her son, 

For me that widow's mate expires, 790 

For me that orphans weep their sires, 



138 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto V. 

That patriots mourn insulted laws, 

And curse the Douglas for the cause. 

0, let your patience ward such ill, 

And keep your right to love me still ! " 795 

XXIX. 

The crowd's wild fury sunk again 

In tears, as tempests melt in rain. 

With lifted hands and eyes, they prayed 

For blessings on his generous head 

Who for his country felt alone, 800 

And prized her blood beyond his own. 

Old men upon the verge of life 

Blessed him who stayed the civil strife ; 

And mothers held their babes on high. 

The self-devoted Chief to spy, 805 

Triumphant over wrongs and ire. 

To whom the prattlers owed a sire. 

Even the rough soldier's heart was moved ; 

As if behind some bier beloved. 

With trailing arms and drooping head, 810 

The Douglas up the hill he led, 

And at the Castle's battled verge. 

With sighs resigned his honored charge. 

XXX. 

The offended Monarch rode apart. 

With bitter thought and swelling heart, 815 

And would not now vouchsafe again 

Through Stirling streets to lead his train. 

" Lennox, who would wish to rule 

This changeling crowd, this common fool ? 

Hear'st thou," he said, " the loud acclaim 820 



Canto v.] THE COMBAT. 139 

With which they shout the Douglas name ? 

With like acclaim the vulgar throat 

Strained for King James their morning note ; 

With like acclaim they hailed the day 

When first I broke the Douglas sway ; 825 

And like acclaim would Douglas greet 

If he could hurl me from my seat. 

Who o'er the herd would wish to reign, 

Fantastic, fickle, fierce, and vain ? 

Vain as the leaf upon the stream, 830 

And fickle as a changeful dream ; 

Fantastic as a woman's mood, 

And fierce as Frenzy's fevered blood. 

Thou many-headed monster-thing, 

0, who would wish to be thy king ? — 835 

XXXI. 

"But soft! what messenger of speed 

Spurs hitherward his panting steed ? 

I guess his cognizance afar — 

What from our cousin, John of Mar ? " 

" He prays, my liege, your sports keep bound 840 

AVithin the safe and guarded ground ; 

For some foul purpose yet unknown, — 

Most sure for evil to the throne, — 

The outlawed Chieftain, Koderick Dhu, 

Has summoned his rebellious crew ; 845 

'T is said, in James of Bothwell's aid 

These loose banditti stand arrayed. 

The Earl of Mar this morn from Doune 

To break their muster marched, and soon 

Your grace will hear of battle fought ; 850 

But earnestly the Earl besought, 



140 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto V. 

Till for such danger lie provide, 
With scanty train you will not ride." 



XXXII. 

" Thou warn'st me I have done amiss, — 

I should have earlier looked to this ; 855 

I lost it in this bustling day. — 

Eetrace with speed thy former way ; 

Spare not for spoiling of thy steed, 

The best of mine shall be thy meed. 

Say to our faithful Lord of Mar, 860 

We do forbid the intended war ; 

Roderick this morn in single fight 

Was made our prisoner by a knight, 

And Douglas hath himself and cause 

Submitted to our kingdom's laws. 865 

The tidings of their leaders lost 

Will soon dissolve the mountain host, 

Nor would we that the vulgar feel. 

For their Chief's crimes, avenging steel. 

Bear Mar our message, Braco, fly ! " 870 

He turned his steed, — " My liege, I hie. 

Yet ere I cross this lily lawn 

I fear the broadswords will be drawn." 

The turf the flying courser spurned. 

And to his towers the King returned. 875 

XXXIII. 

Ill with King James's mood that day 
Suited gay feast and minstrel lay ; 
Soon were dismissed the courtly throng, 
And soon cut short the festal song. 



Canto v.] THE COMBAT, 141 

Nor less iqDon tlie saddened town 880 

The evening sank in sorrow down. 

The burghers spoke of civil jar, 

Of rumored feuds and mountain war, 

Of Moray, Mar, and Koderick Dhu, 

All up in arms ; — the Douglas too, 885 

They mourned him pent within the hold, 

" Where stout Earl William was of old." — 

And there his word the speaker stayed, 

And finger on his lip he laid. 

Or pointed to his dagger blade. 890 

But jaded horsemen from the west 

At evening to the Castle pressed. 

And busy talkers said they bore 

Tidings of fight on Katrine's shore ; 

At noon the deadl}^ fray begun, 895 

And lasted till the set of sun. 

Thus giddy rumor shook the town, 

Till closed the Night her pennons brown. 



CANTO SIXTH. 

THE GUARD-ROOM. 



The sun, awakening through the smoky air 

Of the dark city casts a sullen glance, 
Rousing each caitiff to his task of care, 

Of sinful man the sad inheritance ; 

Summoning revellers from the lagging dance, 5 

Scaring the prowling robber to his den ; 

Gilding on battled tower the warder's lance. 
And warning student pale to leave his pen, 
And yield his drowsy eyes to the kind nurse of men. 

What various scenes and O, what scenes of woe, 10 

Are witnessed by that red and struggling beam ! 
The fevered patient from his pallet low, 

Through crowded hospital beholds it stream; 

The ruined maiden trembles at its gleam, 
The debtor wakes to thought of gyve and jail, 15 

The love-lorn wretch starts from tormenting dream ; 
The wakeful mother, by the glimmering pale, 
Trims her sick infant's couch, and soothes his feeble wail. 

II. 

At dawn the towers of Stirling rang 
With soldier-step and weapon-clang, 20 

While drums with rolling note foretell 
Relief to weary sentinel. 
Through narrow loop and casement barred, 
142 



Canto VI.] THE GUAED-ROOM, 143 

The sunbeams soudit the Court of Guard, 



And, struggling with the smoky air, 25 

Deadened the torches' yellow glare. 

In comfortless alliance shone 

The lights through arch of blackened stone, 

And showed wild shapes in garb of war, 

Faces deformed with beard and scar, 30 

All haggard from the midnight watch, 

And fevered with the stern debauch ; 

For the oak table's massive hoard, 

Flooded with wine, with fragments stored, 

And beakers drained, and cups o'erthrown, 35 

Showed in what sport the night had flown. 

Some, weary, snored on floor and bench ; 

Some labored still their thirst to quench ; 

Some, chilled with watching, spread their hands 

O'er the huge chimney's dying brands, 40 

While round them, or beside them flung, 

At every step their harness rung. 

III. 

These drew not for their fields the sword, 

Like tenants of a feudal lord. 

Nor owned the patriarchal claim 45 

Of Chieftain in their leader's name ; 

Adventurers they, from far who roved, 

To live by battle which they loved. 

There the Italian's clouded face, 

The swarthy Spaniard's there you trace ; 50 

The mountain-loving Switzer there 

More freely breathed in mountain-air ; 

The Fleming there despised the soil 

That paid so ill the laborer's toil ; 



144 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto VI. 

Their rolls showed French and German name ; 55 

And merry England's exiles came, 

To share, with ill-concealed disdain, 

Of Scotland's pay the scanty gain. 

All brave in arms, well trained to wield 

The heavy halberd, brand, and shield j 60 

In camps licentious, wild, and bold ; 

In pillage fierce and uncontrolled ; 

And now, by holy tide and feast, 

From rules of discipline released. 

IV. 

They held debate of bloody fray. 65 

Fought 'twixt Loch Katrine and Achray. 

Fierce was their speech, and mid their words 

Their hands oft grappled to their swords ; 

Nor sunk their tone to spare the ear 

Of wounded comrades groaning near, 70 

Whose mangled limbs and bodies gored 

Bore token of the mountain sword. 

Though, neighboring to the Court of Guard, 

Their prayers and feverish wails were heard, — 

Sad burden to the ruffian joke, 75 

And savage oath by fury spoke ! — 

At length up started John of Brent, 

A yeoman from the banks of Trent ; 

A stranger to respect or fear, 

In peace a chaser of the deer, 80 

In host a hardy mutineer. 

But still the boldest of the crew 

When deed of danger was to do. 

He grieved that day their games cut short, 

And marred the dicer's brawling sport, 85 



Canto VI.] THE GUARD -BOOM. 145 

And shouted loud, " Eenew the bowl ! 
And, while a merry catch I troll, 
Let each the buxom chorus bear, 
Like brethren of the brand and spear." 

V. 

soldier's soxg. 

Our vicar still preaches that Peter and Poule 90 

Laid a swinging long curse on the bonny brown bowl. 

That there's wrath and despair in the jolly black-jack, 

And the seven deadly sins in a flagon of sack ; 

Yet whoop, Barnaby ! off with thy liquor, 

Drink upsees out, and a fig for the vicar ! 95 

Our vicar he calls it damnation to sip 

The ripe ruddy dew of a woman's dear lip. 

Says that Beelzebub lurks in her kerchief so sly. 

And Apollyon shoots darts from her merry black eye ; 

Yet whoop, Jack ! kiss Gillian the quicker, 100 

Till she bloom like a rose, and a fig for the vicar ! 

Our vicar thus preaches, — and Avhy should he not ? 

For the dues of his cure are the placket and pot ; 

And 'tis right of his office poor laymen to lurch 

Who infringe the domains of our good Mother Church. 105 

Yet w^hoop, bully-boys ! off with your liquor, 

Sweet Marjorie 's the word, and a fig for the vicar! 

VI. 

The warder's challenge, heard without. 

Stayed in mid-roar the merry shout. 

A soldier to the portal went, — 110 

" Here is old Bertram, sirs, of Ghent ; 



146 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto VI. 

And — beat for jubilee the drum ! — 

A maid and minstrel with him come." 

Bertram, a Fleming, gray and scarred, 

Was entering now the Court of Guard, 115 

A harper with him, and, in plaid 

All muffled close, a mountain maid. 

Who backward shrunk to 'scape the view 

Of the loose scene and boisterous crew. 

" What news ? " they roared : — "I only know, 120 

From noon till eve we fought with foe. 

As wild and as untamable 

As the rude mountains where they dwell ; 

On both sides store of blood is lost, 

Nor much success can either boast." — 125 

" But whence thy captives, friend ? such spoil 

As theirs must needs reward thy toil. 

Old dost thou wax, and wars grow sharp ; 

Thou now hast glee-maiden and harp ! 

Get thee an ape, and trudge the land, 130 

The leader of a juggler band." 

VII. 

" No, comrade ; — no such fortune mine. 

After the fight these sought our line, 

That aged harper and the girl. 

And, having audience of the Earl, 135 

Mar bade I should purvey them steed. 

And bring them hitherward with speed. 

Forbear your mirth and rude alarm, 

For none shall do them shame or harm." — 

" Hear ye his boast ? " cried John of Brent, UO 

Ever to strife and jangling bent; 

" Shall he strike doe beside our lodge, 



Canto VI.] THE GUABD-EOOM, 147 

And yet the jealous niggard grudge 

To pay the forester his fee ? 

I '11 have my share howe'er it be, 145 

Despite of Moray, Mar, or thee." 

Bertram his forward step withstood ; 

And, burning in his vengeful mood. 

Old Allan, though unfit for strife. 

Laid hand upon his dagger-knife ; 150 

But Ellen boldly stepped between. 

And dropped at once the tartan screen : — 

So, from his mornijig cloud, appears 

The sun of May through summer tears. 

The savage soldiery, amazed, 155 

As on descended angel gazed ; 

Even hardy Brent, abashed and tamed, 

Stood half admiring, half ashamed. 

VIII. 

Boldly she spoke : " Soldiers, attend ! 

My father was the soldier's friend, 160 

Cheered him in camps, in marches led. 

And with him in the battle bled. 

Not from the valiant or the strong 

Should exile's daughter suffer wrong." 

Answered De Brent, most forward still 165 

In every feat or good or ill : 

" I shame me of the part I played ; 

And thou an outlaw's child, poor maid ! 

An outlaw I by forest laws. 

And merry Needwood knows the cause. 170 

Poor Eose, — if Eose be living now," — 

He wiped liis iron eye and brow, — 

" Must bear such age, I think, as thou. — 



148 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto VI. 

Hear ye, my mates ! I go to call 

The Captain of our watch to hall : 175 

There lies my halberd on the floor ; 

And he that steps my halberd o'er, 

To do the maid injurious part, 

My shaft shall quiver in his heart ! 

Beware rude speech, or jesting rough ; 180 

Ye all know John de Brent. Enough.'' 

IX. 

Their Captain came, a gallant young, — 

Of Tullibardine's house he sprung, 

Nor wore he yet the spurs of knight ; 

Gay was his mien, his humor light, 185 

And, though by courtesy controlled, 

Forward his speech, his bearing bold. 

The high-born maiden ill could brook 

The scanning of his curious look 

And dauntless eye : — and yet, in sooth, 190 

Young Lewis was a generous youth ; 

But Ellen's lovely face and mien, 

111 suited to the garb and scene. 

Might lightly bear construction strange, 

And give loose fancy scope to range. 195 

" Welcome to Stirling towers, fair maid! 

Come ye to seek a champion's aid. 

On palfrey white, with harper hoar. 

Like errant damosel of yore ? 

Does thy high quest a knight require, 200 

Or may the venture suit a squire ? " 

Her dark eye flashed ; — she paused and sighed : — 

" what have I to do with pride ! — 

Through scenes of sorrow, shame, and strife. 



Canto VI.] TEE GU ABB -ROOM. 149 

A suppliant for a father's life, 205 

I crave an audience of the King. 
Behold, to back my suit, a ring, 
The royal pledge of grateful claims. 
Given by the Monarch to Fitz- James." 

X. 

The signet-ring young Lewis took 210 

With deep respect and altered look, 

And said : " This ring our duties own ; 

And pardon, if to worth unknown. 

In semblance mean obscurely veiled, 

Lady, in aught my folly failed. 215 

Soon as the day flings wide its gates, 

The King shall know what suitor waits. 

Please you meanwhile in fitting bower 

Repose you till his waking hour ; 

Female attendance shall obey 220 

Your best, for service or array. 

Permit I marshal you the way." 

But, ere she followed, with the grace 

And open bounty of her race, 

She bade her slender purse be shared 225 

Among the soldiers of the guard. 

The rest with thanks their guerdon took. 

But Brent, with shy and awkward look. 

On the reluctant maiden's hold 

Forced bluntly back the proffered gold : — 230 

" Forgive a haughty English heart. 

And 0, forget its ruder part ! 

The vacant purse shall be my share, 

Which in my barret-cap I'll bear, 

Perchance, in jeopardy of war, 235 



150 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto VI. 

Where gayer crests may keep afar." 

With thanks — 't was all she could — the maid 

His rugged courtesy repaid. 

XI. 

When Ellen forth with Lewis went, 

Allan made suit to John of Brent: — 240 

" My lady safe, 0, let your grace 

Give me to see my master's face ! 

His minstrel I, — to share his doom 

Bound from the cradle to the tomb. 

Tenth in descent, since first my sires 245 

Waked for his noble house their lyres. 

Nor one of all the race was known 

But prized its weal above their own. 

With the Chiefs birth begins our care ; 

Our harp must soothe the infant heir, 250 

Teach the youth tales of fight, and grace 

His earliest feat of field or chase; 

In peace, in war, our rank we keep. 

We cheer his board, we soothe his sleep, 

Nor leave him till we pour our verse — 255 

A doleful tribute ! — o'er his hearse. 

Then let me share his captive lot ; 

It is my right, — deny it not ! " 

" Little we reck," said John of Brent, 

^^ We Southern men, of long descent; 260 

Nor wot we how a name — a word — 

Makes clansmen vassals to a lord : 

Yet kind my noble landlord's part, — 

God bless the house of Beaudesert ! 

And, but I loved to drive the deer 265 

More than to guide the laboring steer, 



Canto VI.] THE GUAllB-ROOM. 151 

I had not dwelt an outcast here. 
Come, good old Minstrel, follow me ; 
Thy Lord and Chieftain shalt thou see." 

XII. 

Then, from a rusted iron hook, 270 

A bunch of ponderous keys he took. 

Lighted a torch, and Allan led 

Through grated arch and passage dread. 

Portals they passed, where, deep within. 

Spoke prisoner's moan and fetters' din ; 275 

Through rugged vault, where, loosely stored, 

Lay wheel, and axe, and headsman's sword, 

And many a hideous engine grim. 

For wrenching joint and crushing limb. 

By artists formed who deemed it shame 280 

And sin to give their work a name. 

They halted at a low-browed porch, 

And Brent to Allan gave the torch, 

"While bolt and chain he backward rolled. 

And made the bar unhasp its hold. 285 

They entered : — 't was a prison-room 

Of stern security and gloom. 

Yet not a dungeon ; for the day 

Through lofty gratings found its way. 

And rude and antique garniture 2£i0 

Decked the sad walls and oaken floor. 

Such as the rugged days of old 

Deemed fit for captive noble's hold. 

" Here," said De Brent, " thou mayst remain 

Till the Leech visit him again. 295 

Strict is his charge, the warders tell, 

To tend the noble prisoner well." 



152 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto VI. 

Retiring then the bolt he drew, 

And the lock's murmurs growled anew. 

Roused at the sound, from lowly bed 300 

A captive feebly raised his head; 

The wondering Minstrel looked, and knew — 

Not his dear lord, but Roderick Dhu ! 

For, come from where Clan- Alpine fought, 

They, erring, deemed the Chief he sought. 305 

XIII. 

As the tall ship whose lofty prore 

Shall never stem the billows more, 

Deserted by her gallant band. 

Amid the breakers lies astrand, — 

So on his couch lay Roderick Dhu ! 310 

And oft his fevered limbs he threw 

In toss abrupt, as when her sides 

Lie rocking in the advancing tides, 

That shake her frame with ceaseless beat, 

Yet cannot heave her from her seat ; — 315 

0, how unlike her course at sea ! 

Or his free step on hill and lea ! — 

Soon as the Minstrel he could scan, — 

" What of thy lady ? — of my clan ? — 

My mother ? — Douglas ? — tell me all ! 320 

Have they been ruined in my fall ? 

Ah, yes ! or wherefore art thou here ? 

Yet speak, — speak boldly, — do not fear.'^ — 

For Allan, who his mood well knew, 

Was choked with grief and terror too. — 325 

" Who fought ? — who fled ? — Old man, be brief ; — 

Some might, — for they have lost their Chief. 

Who basely live ? — who bravely died ? " 



Canto VI.] THE GUARD -ROOM. 153 

" O, calm thee, Chief ! " the Minstrel cried, 

"Ellen is safe!" " For that thank Heaven ! " 330 

"And hopes are for the Douglas given; — 

The Lady Margaret, too, is well ; 

And, for thy clan, — on field or fell, 

Has never harp of minstrel told 

Of combat fought so true and bold. 335 

Thy stately Pine is yet unbent. 

Though many a goodly bough is rent." 

XIV. 

The Chieftain reared his form on high, 

And fever's fire was in his eye ; 

But ghastly, pale, and livid streaks 340 

Checkered his swarthy brow and cheeks. 

" Hark, Minstrel ! I have heard thee play, 

With measure bold on festal day, 

In yon lone isle, — again where ne'er 

Shall harper play or warrior hear ! — 345 

That stirring air that peals on high, 

O'er Dermid's race our victory. — 

Strike it ! — and then, — for well thou canst, — 

Free from thy minstrel-spirit glanced. 

Fling me the picture of the fight, 350 

When met my clan the Saxon might. 

I'll listen, till my fancy hears 

The clang of swords, the crash of spears ! 

These grates, these walls, shall vanish then 

For the fair field of fighting men, 355 

And my free spirit burst away. 

As if it soared from battle fray." 

The trembling Bard with awe obeyed, — 

Slow on the harp his hand he laid ; 



154 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto VI. 

But soon remembrance of the sight 360 

He witnessed from the mountain height, 

With what old Bertram told at night, 

Awakened the full power of song, 

And bore him in career along ; — 

As shallop launched on river's tide, 365 

That slow and fearful leaves the side. 

But, when it feels the middle stream. 

Drives downward swift as lightning's beam. 

XV. 

BATTLE OF BEAl' AN DUINE. 

"The Minstrel came once more to view 

The eastern ridge of Benvenue, 370 

For ere he parted he would say 

Farewell to lovely Loch Achray — 

Where shall he find, in foreign land. 

So lone a lake, so sweet a strand ! — 

There is no breeze upon the fern, 375 

No ripple on the lake, 
Upon her eyry nods the erne. 

The deer has sought the brake ; 
The small birds will not sing aloud. 

The springing trout lies still, 380 

So darkly glooms yon thunder-cloud. 
That swathes, as with a purple shroud, 

Benledi's distant hill. 
Is it the thunder's solemn sound 

That mutters deep and dread, 385 

Or echoes from the groaning ground 

The warrior's measured tread ? 
Is it the lightning's quivering glance 
That on the thicket streams, 



Canto VI.] THE GUARD-ROOM. 155 

Or do they flash on spear aud lance, 390 

The sun's retiring beams ? — 
I see the dagger-crest of Mar, 
I see the Moray's silver star, 
Wave o'er the cloud of Saxon war, 
That up the lake comes winding far ! 395 

To hero boune for battle-strife, 

Or bard of martial lay, 
'T were worth ten years of peaceful life, 
One glance at their array ! 

XVI. 

"Their light-armed archers far and near 400 

Surveyed the tangled ground, 
Their centre ranks, with pike and spear, 

A twilight forest frowned, 
Their barded horsemen in the rear 

The stern battalia crowned. 405 

No cymbal clashed, no clarion rang. 

Still were the pipe and drum ; 
Save heavy tread, and armor's clang, 

The sullen march was dumb. 
There breathed no wind their crests to shake, 410 

Or wave their flags abroad ; 
Scarce the frail aspen seemed to quake. 

That shadowed o'er their road. 
Their vaward scouts no tidings bring. 

Can rouse no lurking foe, 415 

Nor spy a trace of living thing, 

Save when they stirred the roe ; 
The host moves like a deep-sea wave. 
Where rise no rocks its pride to brave, 

High-swelling, dark, and slow. 420 



156 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto VI. 

The lake is passed, and now tliey gain 

A narrow and a broken plain, 

Before the Trosachs' rugged jaws ; 

And here the horse and spearmen pause, 

While, to explore the dangerous glen, 425 

Dive through the pass the archer-men. 



XVII. 

<^ At once there rose so wild a yell 
Within that dark and narrow dell, 
As all the fiends from heaven that fell 
Had pealed the banner-cry of hell ! ^430 

Forth from the pass in tumult driven. 
Like chaff before the wind of heaven. 

The archery appear : 
Por life ! for life ! their flight they ply — 
And shriek, and shout, and battle-cry, 435 

And plaids and bonnets waving high, 
And broadswords flashing to the sky, 

Are maddening in the rear. 
Onward they drive in dreadful race. 

Pursuers and pursued ; 440 

Before that tide of flight and chase. 
How shall it keep its rooted place, 

The spearmen's twilight wood ? — 
^ Down, down,' cried Mar, ' your lances down ! 

Bear back both friend and foe ! ' — 445 

Like reeds before the tempest's frown. 
That serried grove of lances brown 

At once lay levelled low ; 
And closely shouldering side to side, 
The bristling ranks the onset bide. — 450 



Canto VI.] THE GUARD -ROOM. 157 

^We'll quell the savage mountaineer, 

As their Tinchel cows the game ! 
They come as fleet as forest deer, 
We'll drive them back as tame/ 



XVIII. 

" Bearing before them in their course 455 

The relics of the archer force. 
Like wave with crest of sparkling foam, 
Eight onward did Clan-Alpine come. 
Above the tide, each broadsword bright 
Was brandishing like beam of light, 460 

Each targe was dark below ; 
And with the ocean's mighty swing. 
When heaving to the tempest's Aving, 
They hurled them on the foe. 
I heard the lance's shivering crash, 465 

As when the whirlwind rends the ash ; 
I heard the broadsword's deadly clang, 
As if a hundred anvils rang ! 
But Moray wheeled his rearward rank 
Of horsemen on Clan-Alpine's flank, — 470 

' My banner-man, advance ! 
I see,' he cried, ' their column shake. 
Now, gallants ! for your ladies' sake, 

Upon them with the lance ! ' — 
The horsemen dashed among the rout, 475 

As deer break through the broom ; 
Their steeds are stout, their swords are out, 

They soon make lightsome room. 
Clan- Alpine's best are backward borne — 

Where, where was Eoderick then ! 480 



158 THE LADY OF THE LAKE, [Canto VI. 

One blast upon his bugle-horn 
Were worth a thousand men. 
And refluent through the pass of fear 

The battle's tide was poured ; 
Vanished the Saxon's struggling spear, 485 

Vanished the mountain-sword. 
As Bracklinn's chasm, so black and steep, 

Keceives her roaring linn, 
As the dark caverns of the deep 

Suck the whirlpool in, 490 

So did the deep and darksome pass 
Devour the battle's mingled mass ; 
None linger now upon the plain. 
Save those who ne'er shall fight again. 

XIX. 

" Now westward rolls the battle's din, 495 

That deep and doubling pass within. — 

Minstrel, away ! the work of fate 

Is bearing on ; its issues wait. 

Where the rude Trosachs' dread defile 

Opens on Katrine's lake and isle. 500 

Gray Benvenue I soon repassed. 

Loch Katrine lay beneath me cast. 

The sun is set ; — the clouds are met 
The lowering scowl of heaven 

An inky hue of livid blue 505 

To the deep lake has given ; 
Strange gusts of wind from mountain glen 
Swept o'er the lake, then sunk again. 
I heeded not the eddying surge. 
Mine eye but saw the Trosachs' gorge 510 

Mine ear but heard that sullen sound, 



Canto VI.] THE GUARD-ROOM. 159 

Which like an earthquake shook the ground, 
And spoke the stern and desperate strife 
That parts not but with parting life, 
Seeming, to minstrel ear, to toll 515 

The dirge of many a passing soul. 
Nearer it comes — the dim-wood glen 
The martial flood disgorged again, 

But not in mingled tide ; 
The plaided warriors of the North 520 

High on the mountain thunder forth 

And overhang its side, 
While by the lake below appears 
The darkening cloud of Saxon spears. 
At weary bay each shattered band, 525 

Eying their foemen, sternly stand ; 
Their banners stream like tattered sail, 
That flings its fragments to the gale, 
And broken arms and disarray 
Marked the fell havoc of the day. 530 



XX. 

"Viewing the mountain's ridge askance, 
The Saxons stood in sullen trance. 
Till Moray pointed with his lance, 

And cried : ' Behold yon isle ! 
See ! none are left to guard its strand 535 

But women weak, that wring the hand : 
'T is there of yore the robber band 

Their booty wont to pile ; — 
My purse, with bonnet-pieces store. 
To him will swim a bow-shot o'er, 540 

And loose a shallop from the shore. 



160 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto VI. 

Lightly we '11 tame the war- wolf then, 

Lords of his mate, and brood, and den/ 

Forth from the ranks a spearman sprung, 

On earth his casque and corselet rung, 545 

He plunged him in the wave : — 
All saw the deed, — the purpose knew. 
And to their clamors Ben venue 

A mingled echo gave ; 
The Saxons shout, their mate to cheer, 650 

The helpless females scream for fear. 
And yells for rage the mountaineer. 
'T was then, as by the outcry riven, 
Poured down at once the lowering heaven. 
A whirlwind swept Loch Katrine's breast, 555 

Her billows reared their snowy crest. 
Well for the swimmer swelled they high, 
To mar the Highland marksman's eye ; 
For round him showered, mid rain and hail, 
The vengeful arrows of the Gael. 560 

In vain. — He nears the isle — and lo ! 
His hand is on a shallop's bow. 
Just then a flash of lightning came, 
It tinged the waves and strand with flame ; 
I marked Duncraggan's widowed dame, 565 

Behind an oak I saw her stand, 
A naked dirk gleamed in her hand : — 
It darkened, — but amid the moan 
Of waves I heard a dying groan ; — 
Another flash ! — the spearman floats 570 

A weltering corse beside the boats, 
And the stern matron o'er him stood. 
Her hand and dagger streaming blood. 



Canto VI.] 



THE GUARD -BOOM. 161 

XXI. 

" * Eevenge ! revenge ! ' the Saxons cried, 

The Gaels' exulting shout replied. 575 

Despite the elemental rage, 

Again they hurried to engage ; 

But, ere they closed in desperate fight, 

Bloody with spurring came a knight. 

Sprung from his horse, and from a crag 580 

Waved 'twixt the hosts a milk-white flag. 

Clarion and trumpet by his side 

Eung forth a truce-note high and wide. 

While, in the Monarch's name, afar 

A herald's voice forbade the war, 585 

tor Bothwell's lord and Roderick bold 

Were both, he said, in captive hold." — 

But here the lay made sudden stand. 

The harp escaped the Minstrel's hand ! 

Oft had he stolen a glance, to spy 590 

How Eoderick brooked his minstrelsy : 

At first, the Chieftain, to the chime. 

With lifted hand kept feeble time; 

That motion ceased, — yet feeling strong 

Varied his look as changed the song ; 595 

At length, no more his deafened ear 

The minstrel melody can hear ; 

His face grows sharp, — his hands are clenched. 

As if some pang his heart-strings wrenched ; 

Set are his teeth, his fading eye ^00 

Is sternly fixed on vacancy ; 

Thus, motionless and moanless, drew 

His parting breath stout Eoderick Dhu ! — 

Old Allan-bane looked on aghast, 

While grim and still his spirit passed ; 605 



162 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto VI. 

But when he saw that life was fled, 
He poured his wailing o'er the dead. 

XXII. 
LAMENT. 

"And art thou cold and lowly laid, 

Thy foeman's dread, thy people's aid, 

Breadalbane's boast. Clan- Alpine's shade ! 610 

For thee shall none a requiem say ? — 

For thee, who loved the minstrel's lay, 

For thee, of Bothwell's house the stay, 

The shelter of her exiled line. 

E'en in this prison-house of thine, 615 

I '11 wail for Alpine's honored Pine ! 

" What groans shall yonder valleys fill ! 

What shrieks of grief shall rend yon hill ! 

What tears of burning rage shall thrill. 

When mourns thy tribe thy battles done, 620 

Thy fall before the race was won. 

Thy sword ungirt ere set of sun ! 

There breathes not clansman of thy line. 

But would have given his life for thine. 

0, woe for Alpine's honored Pine ! 625 

" Sad was thy lot on mortal stage ! — 

The captive thrush may brook the cage, 

The prisoned eagle dies for rage. 

Brave spirit, do not scorn my strain ! 

And, when its notes awake again, 630 

Even she, so long beloved in vain. 

Shall with my harp her voice combine, 

And mix her woe and tears with mine. 

To wail Clan-Alpine's honored Pine.'' 



Canto VI.] THE GUARD-BOOM, 163 

XXIII. 

Ellen the while, with bursting heart, 635 

Remained in lordly bower apart, 

Where played, with many-colored gleams, 

Through storied pane the rising beams. 

In vain on gilded roof they fall. 

And lightened up a tapestried wall, 640 

And for her use a menial train 

A rich collation spread in vain. 

The banquet proud, the chamber gay, 

Scarce drew one curious glance astray ; 

Or if she looked, 't was but to say, 645 

With better omen dawned the day 

In that lone isle, where waved on high 

The dun-deer's hide for canopy ; 

Where oft her noble father shared 

The simple meal her care prepared, 650 

While Lufra, crouching by her side. 

Her station claimed with jealous pride. 

And Douglas, bent on woodland game. 

Spoke of the chase to Malcolm Graeme, 

Whose answer, oft at random made, 655 

The wandering of his thoughts betrayed. 

Those who such simple joys have known 

Are taught to prize them when they 're gone. 

But sudden, see, she lifts her head. 

The window seeks with cautious tread. 660 

What distant music has the power 

To win her in this woeful hour ? 

'T was from a turret that o'erhung 

Her latticed bower, the strain was sung. 



164 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto VL 

XXIV. 
LAY OF THE IMPRISONED HUNTSMAN. 

^' My hawk is tired of perch and hood, 665 

My idle greyhound loathes his food, 

My horse is weary of his stall, 

And I am sick of captive thrall. 

I wish I were as I have been, 

Hunting the hart in forest green, 670 

With bended bow and bloodhound free, 

For that 's the life is meet for me. 

'^ I hate to learn the ebb of time 

From yon dull steeple's drowsy chime. 

Or mark it as the sunbeams crawl, 675 

Inch after inch, along the wall. 

The lark was wont my matins ring. 

The sable rook my vespers sing; 

These towers, although a king's they be. 

Have not a hall of joy for me. 680 

" No more at dawning morn I rise, 
; And sun myself in Ellen's eyes, 

Drive the fleet deer the forest through. 

And homeward wxnd with evening dew ; 

A blithesome welcome blithely meet, 685 

And lay my trophies at her feet. 

While fled the eve on wing of glee, — 

That life is lost to love and me ! " 



XXV. 

The heart-sick lay was hardly said. 
The listener had not turned her head, 



Canto VI.] THE GUARD -Ii003f. 165 

It trickled still, the starting tear, 

When light a footstep struck her ear, 

And SnowdoLin's graceful Knight was near. 

She turned the hastier, lest again 

The prisoner should renew his strain. 695 

"O welcome, brave Fitz- James ! " she said; 

" How may an almost orphan maid 

Pay the deep debt — " '■ say not so ! 

To me no gratitude you owe. 

Not mine, alas ! the boon to give, 700 

And bid thy noble father live ; 

I can but be thy guide, sweet maid, 

With Scotland's King thy suit to aid. 

No tyrant he, though ire and pride 

May lay his better mood aside. 705 

Come, Ellen, come ! 't is more than time, 

He holds his court at morning prime.'^ 

With beating heart, and bosom wrung, 

As to a brother's arm she clung. 

Gently he dried the falling tear, 710 

And gently whispered hope and cheer; 

Her faltering steps half led, half stayed. 

Through gallery fair and high arcade. 

Till at his touch its wings of pride 

A portal arch unfolded wide. 715 



XXVI. 

Within 't was brilliant all and light, 

A thronging scene of figures bright ; 

It glowed on Ellen's dazzled sight. 

As when the setting sun has given 

Ten thousand hues to summer even, 720 



166 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto VI. 

And from their tissue fancy frames 

Aerial knights and fairy dames. 

Still by Fitz-James her footing stayed ; 

A few faint steps she forward made, 

Then slow her drooping head she raised, 725 

And fearful round the presence gazed; 

For him she sought who owned this state, 

The dreaded Prince whose will was fate ! — 

She gazed on many a princely port 

Might well have ruled a royal court ; 730 

On many a splendid garb she gazed, — 

Then turned bewildered and amazed, 

For all stood bare ; and in the room 

Fitz-James alone wore cap and plume. 

To him each lady's look was lent, 735 

On him each courtier's eye was bent ; 

Midst furs and silks and jewels sheen, 

He stood, in simple Lincoln green 

The centre of the glittering ring, — 

And Snowdoun's Knight is Scotland's King ! 740 

XXVII. 

As wreath of snow on mountain-breast 

Slides from the rock that gave it rest, 

Poor Ellen glided from her stay. 

And at the Monarch's feet she lay ; 

No word her choking voice commands, — 745 

She showed the ring, — she clasped her hands. 

0, not a moment could he brook, 

The generous Prince, that suppliant look ! 

Gently he raised her, — and, the while, 

Checked with a glance the circle's smile ; 750 

Graceful, but grave, her brow he kissed, 



Canto VI.] THE GUARD -ROOM. 167 

And bade her terrors be dismissed : — 

" Yes, fair ; the wandering poor Fitz-James 

The fealty of Scotland claims. 

To him thy woes, thy wishes, bring ; 755 

He will redeem his signet ring. 

Ask naught for Douglas ; — yester even, 

His Prince and he have much forgiven ; 

Wrong hath he had from slanderous tongue, 

I, from his rebel kinsmen, wrong. 760 

We would not, to the vulgar crowd. 

Yield what they craved with clamor loud ; 

Calmly we heard and judged his cause. 

Our council aided and our laws. 

I stanched thy father's death-feud stern 705 

With stout De Vaux and gray Glencairn ; 

And Bothwell's Lord henceforth we own 

The friend and bulwark of our throne. — 

But, lovely infidel, how now ? 

What clouds thy misbelieving brow ? 770 

Lord James of Douglas, lend thine aid ; 

Thou must confirm this doubting maid." 

XXVIII. 

Then forth the noble Douglas sprung, 

And on his neck his daughter hung. 

The Monarch drank, that happy hour, 775 

The sweetest, holiest draught of Power, — 

When it can say with godlike voice. 

Arise, sad Virtue, and rejoice! 

Yet would not James the general eye 

On nature's raptures long should pry ; 780 

He stepped between — " Nay, Douglas, nay, 

Steal not my proselyte away ! 



168 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto VI. 

The riddle 't is my right to read, 

That brought this happy chance to speed. 

Yes, Ellen, when disguised I stray 785 

In life's more low but happier way, 

'T is under name which veils my power, 

Nor falsely veils, — for Stirling tower 

Of yore the name of Snowdoun claims. 

And Normans call me James Pitz-James. 790 

Thus watch I o'er insulted laws, 

Thus learn to right the injured cause." 

Then, in a tone apart and low, — 

" Ah, little traitress ! none must know 

What idle dream, what lighter thought, 795 

What vanity full dearly bought. 

Joined to thine eye's dark witchcraft, drew 

My spell-bound steps to Benvenue 

In dangerous hour, and all but gave 

Thy Monarch's life to mountain glaive ! " 800 

Aloud he spoke : " Thou still dost hold 

That little talisman of gold. 

Pledge of my faith, Fitz-James's ring, — 

What seeks fair Ellen of the King ? " 

XXIX. 

Full well the conscious maiden guessed 805 

He probed the weakness of her breast ; 

But with that consciousness there came 

A lightening of her fears for Graeme, 

And more she deemed the Monarch's ire 

Kindled 'gainst him who for her sire 810 

Rebellious broadsword boldly drew ; 

And, to her generous feeling true, 

She craved the grace of Eoderick Dhu. 



Canto VI.] THE GUARD -ROOM. 169 

" Forbear thy suit ; — the King of kings 

Alone can stay life's parting wings. 816 

I know his heart, I know his hand, 

Have shared his cheer, and proved his brand ; — 

My fairest earldom would I give 

To bid Clan-Alpine's Chieftain live ! — 

Hast thou no other boon to crave ? 820 

No other captive friend to save ? " 

Blushing, she turned her from the King, 

And to the Douglas gave the ring, 

As if she wished her sire to speak 

The suit that stained her glowing cheek. 825 

" Nay, then, my pledge has lost its force, 

And stubborn justice holds her course. 

Malcolm, come forth ! " — and, at the word, 

Down kneeled the Graeme to Scotland's Lord. 

" For thee, rash youth, no suppliant sues, 830 

From thee may Vengeance claim her dues, 

AVho, nurtured underneath our smile. 

Hast paid our care by treacherous wile. 

And sought amid thy faithful clan 

A refuge for an outlawed man, 835 

Dishonoring thus thy loyal name. — 

Fetters and warder for the Graeme ! '' 

His chain of gold the King unstrung. 

The links o'er Malcolm's neck he flung. 

Then gently drew the glittering band, 840 

And laid the clas^ on Ellen's hand. 



170 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto VI. 

Harp of the North, farewell ! The hills grow dark, 
On purple peaks a deeper shade descending ; 

In twilight copse the glow-worm lights her spark. 

The deer, half seen, are to the covert wending. 845 

Eesume thy wizard elm ! the fountain lending. 

And the wild breeze, thy wilder minstrelsy ; 

Thy numbers sweet with nature's vespers blending, 

With distant echo from the fold and lea. 

And herd-boy's evening pipe, and hum of housing bee. 

Yet, once again, farewell, thou Minstrel Harp ! 851 

Yet, once again, forgive my feeble sway. 
And little reck I of the censure sharp 

May idly cavil at an idle lay. 

Much have I owed thy strains on life's long way, 855 
Through secret woes the world has never known. 

When on the weary night dawned wearier day. 
And bitterer was the grief devoured alone. — 
That I o'erlive such woes. Enchantress ! is thine own. 

Hark ! as my lingering footsteps slow retire, 860 

Some Spirit of the Air has waked thy string ! 
'T is now a seraph bold, with touch of fire, 

'T is now the brush of Fairy's frolic wing. 

Eeceding now, the dying numbers ring 
Fainter and fainter down the rugged dell ; 865 

And now the mountain breezes scarcely bring 
A wandering witch-note of the distant spell — 
And now, 't is silent all ! — Enchantress, fare thee well ! 



NOTES. 



[The numbers refer to lines.] 



ARGUMENT. 



The scene of the poem is laid chiefly in the vicinity of Loch Katrine, 
in the western highlands of Perthshire, The time of action includes 
six days, and the transactions of each day occupy a canto. 



Canto First. The Chase. 



1. The introduction to the first canto is introductory to the whole 
poem and corresponds to the conclusion of the last canto, to which 
the student should turn before proceeding to read the chase. 

2. Suppose you keep a list of the birds, four-footed animals, plants, 
flowers, and colors mentioned by Scott in The Lady of the Lake. 
Much has been said of Scott's eye for color. 

8. Both Marmion and the Lay belong to the minstrelsy of the Bor- 
der, not of the North. Burns's poems are almost wholly Lowland in 
their origin and treatment. Scott is, therefore, justified in speaking 
of the northern harp's silence. 

31. Glenartney: Glen signifies valley. Glenartney is, then, the 
glen or valley of the Artney. See map. 

33. In the Gselic tongue, hen means mountain ; Benvoirlich is the 
same as Mt. Voirlich. See map. 

53. It is thought that m is silent in Uam-Var. Pronounce, ua- 
var. 

The verse of the poem consists regularly of eight syllables, accented 
on the even syllables. To close the stanza, however, line 53 is ac- 
cented on the first, third, and fourth, instead of on the second and 
fourth syllables. Note also line 73. By way of an exercise it would 
be well for the student to look through a few pages for similar varia- 

171 



172 NOTES. [Canto I. 

tions in the meter. One should not try to read metrically, however. 
Read smoothly, according to the sense, avoiding sing-song tones, and 
the meter will care for itself. 

94. The run from the southern shoulder of Uam-Var southward 
across the valley of the river Teith, and westward over the divide into 
the valley of the Forth and upward as far as Lochard, would have 
been a good twenty miles ; that to Loch Achray was about two-thirds 
as far. See map. 

95. Loch, the Gselic word for lake, should be pronounced to rhyme 
with the German word hoch. 

108. The stag's course was south and westward from Uam-Var 
through Cambusmore (moor), still westward across the bend of the 
Teith, crossing that river twice, to Bochastle heath under the shadow 
of Benledi. How admirably the poet frees himself from mention in 
strictly geographical order. 

112. Brigg is a Lowland word for bridge. The Brigg of Turk 
crosses a small stream that comes down from Glenfinlas. 

131. Note that Hunter is capitalized. The reason will appear 
later. The mountain is Benvenue. See map. 

145. The Trosachs: literally, the bristling; a rugged, craggy 
glen through which the outlet of Loch Katrine finds its way to Loch 
Achray. 

166. " Worth : to happen ; betide ; now used only in the archaic 
imprecative phrases, woe worth the day, the man, etc., in which worth 
is equivalent to be to, and the noun is in the dative." — Century Dic- 
tionary. See also ii. 227, ii. 303, and iv. 539 and 54L 

183. " I had also read a great deal, seen much, and heard more, of 
that romantic country where I was in the habit of spending some time 
every autumn ; and the scenery of Loch Katrine was connected with 
the recollection of many a dear friend and merry expedition of former 
days." — Scott's Introduction. 

Scott had spent two or three of his vacations in this part of 
Perthshire. His descriptions of the scenery created a furore. People 
set out in all sorts of conveyances, on horseback, and on foot, to see 
the Trosachs. From that day to this the stream of tourists has never 
ceased. Leaving Edinburgh in the morning, tourists may go by rail to 
Stirling, then by rail to Callander, and by tally-ho along the northern 
shore of Vennachar, over the Brigg of Turk and past Loch Achray, 
through the Trosachs to Loch Katrine; travellers then go up Loch 



Canto I.] NOTES. 173 

Katrine in a lake steamer and over a pass, by stage again, to Loch Lo- 
mond ; then down Loch Lomond in a steamer to its foot, where a 
train is in waiting for Glasgow, — all in a single day, if must be. 

184-263. "Perhaps the art of landscape-painting in poetry has 
never been displayed in higher perfection than in these stanzas, to 
which rigid criticism might possibly object that the picture is some- 
what too minute, and that the contemplation of it detains the traveller 
somewhat too long from the main purpose of his pilgrimage, but which 
it would be an act of the greatest injustice to break into fragments 
and present by piecemeal. Not so the magnificent scene which bursts 
upon the bewildered hunter as he emerges at length from the dell, and 
commands at one view the beautiful expanse of Loch Katrine." — The 
Critical Review (Aug., 1820). 

" He sees everything with a painter's eye. Whatever he represents 
has a character of individuality, and is drawn with an accuracy and 
minuteness of discrimination which we are not accustomed to expect 
from mere verbal description. Much of this, no doubt, is the result of 
genius, but the liveliest fancy can only call forth those images which 
are already stored up in the memory. It is because Mr. Scott usually 
delineates those objects with which he is perfectly familiar that his 
touch is so easy, correct, and animated. The rocks, the ravines, and 
the torrents which he exhibits are not the imperfect sketches of a 
hurried traveller, but the finished studies of a resident artist. The 
figures which are painted with the landscape are painted with the 
same fidelity. The boldness of feature, the lightness and compactness 
of form, the wildness of air, and the careless ease of attitude of those 
mountaineers are as congenial to their native Highlands as the birch 
and the pine which darken their glens, the sedge which fringes their 
lakes, or the heath which waves over their moors." — Quarterly 
Beview (May, 1810). 

The lesson to the student is that he should write of what he himself 
has seen and known. 

256. Lest this description might seem overdrawn, Scott appended 
this note in a later edition: "Until the present road was made 
through the romantic pass which I have presumptuously attempted 
to describe in the preceding stanzas, there was no mode of issuing out 
of the defile called the Trosachs, excepting by a sort of ladder, com- 
posed of the branches and roots of trees." 

331. The present shore hardly corresponds to the poet's silver 



174 NOTES. [Canto IL 

strand. The water now stands several feet above the old beach and 
laves nothing but rocks and brushwood. The prosaic truth is that 
the outlet of Loch Katrine has been walled up to create an enormous 
lake reservoir from which the municipality of Glasgow draws its water 
supply. The island is only a bow-shot from the shore. 

360. For dear, Rolfe suggests that Scott probably wrote clea7', and 
that the compositor easily mistook cl for d. Clear seems more appro- 
priate, unless the reader bear in mind Ellen's affection for her father, 
whom she is calling. 

362-364. Note that here, as not infrequently, Scott wrote three 
successive lines that rhyme. In what parts of the stanza ? 

492. Now called Ellen's Isle. 

544. When Scott in after years built his home at Abbotsford, the 
most striking feature was an immense hallway or main entrance fitted 
up as a museum of warlike antiquities. The plan may have been in 
his mind when he wrote these lines. 

580, 581. Scott first wrote : — 

To whom, though now remote her claim, 
Young Ellen gave a mother's name. 

Canto Second. The Island. 

29. The reference is to Ellen's father, unjustly outlawed. See 142. 
The old minstrel shrewdly hopes the Hunter may have influence at 
court. 

159. The Spey is a river in the northern part of Inverness shire. 
In point of volume the Spey is the second river in Scotland. See 206, 
and note. 

200. The Bleeding Heart (of Robert Bruce) was the device em- 
blazoned on the banners of the Douglas family and worn as a badge 
by their retainers and followers. 

206. The strathspey is a lively country dance, named from 
Strath Spey, or the valley of the Spey. See 159. 

237. Ellen's mother. Lady Douglas, and Roderick's mother, the 
Lady Margaret of the poem, were sisters. Cousins were not allowed 
to marry. 

251. Ellen's father is yet living. Look up the meaning of orphan. 
Compare iii. 437 and 440. 

277-287. Compare 419-428. Also iv. 548-553 and v. 128-169, 



Canto III.] NOTES. 175 

306. Look up the meaning of Tine-man. 

309. Seei. 541. 

319. Look up the meanhig of Beltane. It is not the name of a 

locality. 

327. Scott's canna is probably a sedge that grows in shallow water 
around the edges of lakes and produces a large tuft of cottony bristles, 
represented in the United States by several species called cotton 
grass. 

408. Roderigh Vich Alpine dhu : Black Roderick, son of 
Alpine. 

431. The allusion is to Ellen. Compare 212. 

497. Look up the battle of Otterburn, and read the ballads of 
Chevy Chase. The Percy Pennon, taken in that battle by Douglas's 
ancestor, was now a family trophy carried on all triumphal occasions. 

588. Compare i. 586-589 and ii. 318-322. 

638. The words signify, "I advise you in the difficulty," but this 
meaning is not in accord with Douglas's reply, 549, as if in response 
to a request for his opinion. 



Canto Third. The Gathering. 

19-40. Commenting on this passage, Ruskin says: "It has no 
form in it at all except in one word, but wholly composes its imagery 
either of color, or of that delicate half-believed life which we have 
seen to be so important an element in modern landscape." — Modern 
Painters, iii. Chap. xvi. par. 44. See also iii. 458-401, for use of color 
instead of form. 

168. " Most great families in the Highlands were supposed to have 
a tutelar, or rather a domestic, spirit attached to them, w'ho took an 
interest in their prosperity, and intimated, by its wailings, any ap- 
proaching disaster. The Ben-Shie implies the female fairy whose 
lamentations were often supposed to precede the death of a chieftain 
of particular families. When she is visible, it is in the form of an old 
woman, with a blue mantle and streaming hair." — Scott's Notes. 

191. Inch signifies island. Inch-Calliach, the island of nuns, lies 
in the southern end of Loch Lomond. It contained a traditional burial 
place of Clan Alpine. 

253. Coir-Uriskin : see 622. "Avery steep and most romantic 
hollow in the mountain of Benvenue, overhanging the southeastern 



176 NOTES. [Canto IV. 

extremity of Loch Katrine. It is surrounded with stupendous rocks, 
and overshadowed with birch trees, mingled with oaks. . , . The 
name literally implies the Corri, or Den, of the Wild or Shaggy Men. 
Perhaps this may have originally only implied its being the haunt of a 
ferocious banditti. But tradition has ascribed to the Urisk^ who gives 
name to the cavern, a figure between a goat and a man ; in short, 
however much the classical reader may be startled, precisely that of 
the Grecian Satyr." — Scott's Notes. 

255. Beala-nam-bo : "the pass of the cattle." The foraging 
expedition returning from Loch Lomond came in to Loch Katrine 
through this pass. See 664. 

394. Stumah is Duncan's faithful hound. 

452. " Inspection of the provincial map of Perthshire, or any large 
map of Scotland, will trace the progress of the signal through the small 
district of lakes and mountains. . . . The first stage of the Fiery 
Cross is to Duncraggan, a place near the Brigg of Turk, where a short 
stream divides Loch Achray from Loch Vennachar. From thence, it 
passes towards Callander, and then, turning to the left up the pass of 
Leny, is consigned to Norman at the Chapel of Saint Bride, which 
stood on a small and romantic knoll in the middle of the valley, called 
Strath-Ire. Tombea and Arnandave, or Ardmandave, are names of 
places in the vicinity. The alarm is then supposed to pass along the 
Lake of Lubnaig, and through the various glens in the district of 
Balquidder, including the neighboring tracts of Glenfinlas and Strath- 
Gartney." — Scott's Notes. 

570. Scott refers to the shepherd custom in his own day of setting 
out fires in the late autumn or early spring to burn off the dead 
herbage, in order to have green pasturage unmixed with the dried 
growth of a previous year. These hill fires swept over a wide extent 
and were a magnificent spectacle, especially in the night. 

Canto Fourth. The Prophecy. 

74. Beal 'maha : " the pass of the plain." 

77. Dennan's Row: see Rowardennan, on the eastern shore of 
Loch Lomond. Now the boat landing for Ben Lomond. The circum- 
stance is historical. 

90. The wizard is the same Brian who prepared the fiery 
cross. 



Canto V.] NOTES. 177 

140. Not a spy. See 378. 

150-165. Locate the Braes of Doune, Loch Earn, and Benledi, 
Roderick's forces lie in Lanrick Mead. If reinforced by the clansmen 
from Loch Earn, he proposes to take position on the southern slopes 
of Benledi, otherwise he will retire into the Trosachs. 

260. One can hardly wonder that Scott represents Ellen as not 
heeding ; for the ballad of Alice Brand creates an impatient feeling in 
the mind of even an ordinary reader. The interest in the story is now 
too intense for a lengthy song entirely English in its character and as 
much out of keeping here as the coronach over Duncan's bier was in 
keeping with the circumstances of its introduction. 

594-599. The stag wears a suit of Lincoln green. Who is the 
wounded doe? Who are the hunters? A stag of ten is a stag 
with ten branches on his antlers. 

624. Compare v. 200. 

658. Compare 553. 

713. Scott uses brown advisedly. The time is midsummer. 
Owing to the high latitude of Perthshire the summer day is 
much longer than in any part of the United States. The evening 
twilight is prolonged into a drowsy gloom that hardly grows black 
before the morning twilight comes. One can make out to read 
until a very late hour. 

760. See i. 589 and ii. 588. 



Canto Fifth. The Combat. 

180. Even as a spy : Roderick, whom Scott would represent as 
frank and courteous, here contradicts himself ; for in his conference 
with Brian, iv. 140-149, the chieftain meets a disclosure of the augury 
by saying that he had already arranged his plans for bringing 
Fitz-James into ambush to be slain. 

183. Fitz-James refrains from telling his vow to revenge Blanche 
of Devan. 

298. See map. Name the three parent lakes. 

301. A series of slight ridges and lines of depression are yet seen, 
marking, it may be, the position of an old Roman camp, fortified 
after the manner described in Caesar's Gallic War. 

383. Compare i. 163. 

462. See iv. 411. 



178 NOTES, [Canto VI. 

468. Bayard is the horse of Fitz-Jaraes. In 453 we must under- 
stand that one leads a palfrey and the other leads Bayard. 

470. Scott was a fine horseman. He here describes a favorite 
horse of his own. 

" I took uncommon pains to verify the accuracy of the local circum- 
stances of this story. I recollect, in particular, that to ascertain 
whether I was telling a probable tale, I went into Perthshire, to see 
whether King James could actually have ridden from the banks of 
Lake Vennachar to Stirling Castle within the time supposed in the 
poem, and had the pleasure to satisfy myself that it was quite prac- 
ticable." — Scott's Introduction. 

"We can readily imagine Scott going at a mad gallop from Coilan- 
tangle ford to Stirling. Locate the places named. Compare this ride 
with Browning's Hoio They hrought the Good News from Ghent to 
Aix. Read, also, Longfellow's Paul Bevere^s Bide. 

550. Stirling was a royal residence during the earlier reign of the 
Stuart family. William, Earl of Douglas, although a royal guest 
under safe conduct, was stabbed in an apartment of the castle by the 
hand of King James II. 

614-618. Merely actors, of course, not the merry tenants of Sher- 
wood Forest. 

888. Referring to the assassination. 

Canto Sixth. The Guard-Room. 

This canto does not seem to have a fitting name. Would not " The 
Castle " be more appropriate ? 

111. Bertram is come from Mar's army at the Trosachs. 

369. Note that this stanza is all a part of Allan's improvised 
account of the battle. 

395. The northern shore of Acliray. 

452. The Tinchel, according to Scott, is " A circle of sportsmen, 
who, by surrounding a great space, and gradually narrowing, brought 
immense quantities of deer together, which usually made desperate 
efforts to break through the Tinchel.'''' 

565. Duncan's widow. See iii. 418. Founded on fact. 

740. Scott has guarded the identity of Fitz -James with care, not 
desiring the reader to know, before reaching this point, that the Hunter 
is the king of Scotland. The student would do well to return to the 



caxto yl] notes. 179 

first mention of the horseman who rode foremost and alone, i. 113. 
Follow the Hunter and Stranger through the several cantos to the 
present moment, and note how delightfully the poet almost reveals, yet 
guards, the secret of the poem, quite as a novelist guards his plot. 

Scott himself, in the same note in which he describes the farmer 
sportsman's fear lest the heated dogs should be ruined by cold 
water, continues: "Another of his remarks gave me less pleasure. 
He detected the identity of the King with the wandering knight, Fitz- 
James, when he winds his bugle to summon his attendants [v. 445]. 
This discovery, as Mr. Pepys says of the rent in his camlet cloak, 
was but a trifle, yet it troubled me ; and I was at a good deal of pains 
to efface any marks by which I thought my secret could be traced 
before the conclusion, when I relied on it with the same hope of pro- 
ducing effect with which the Irish post-boy is said to reserve a ' trot 
for the avenue.' " 

785. " This poem, the action of which lay among scenes so beautiful 
and so deeply imprinted on my recollections, was a labor of love, and 
it was no less so to recall the manners and incidents introduced. Tlie 
frequent custom of James IV., and particularly of James V., to walk 
through their kingdom in disguise, afforded me the hint of an incident 
which never fails to be interesting if managed with the slightest 
address or dexterity." — Scott's Introduction. 



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